Wildlife Club
Reptiles
Clifford and Dot are our charming pair of tegus who now call the Reptile House at Popcorn Park their home. Clifford, a large and striking Red Tegu, was found wandering a parking lot in Newark, NJ dehydrated, underweight, and clearly far from where he belonged. Thankfully, a kind soul rescued him and brought him to us. With proper care, nutrition, and a cozy new environment, Clifford quickly bounced back and now thrives in his temperature-controlled habitat.
Just a month later, Dot joined the family. Her previous owner, overwhelmed by the complex care tegus require, made the responsible decision to surrender her. Tegus may be calm and even affectionate when handled regularly, but their care is no small task. They need precise temperatures, high humidity, spacious enclosures, and a diverse diet. Dot was lucky to find a place at Popcorn Park where all of her needs would be met. She settled in wonderfully and soon bonded with Clifford.
Clifford is a real standout in our Reptile House, not just because of his story, but because of his size and appearance. This handsome guy is full-grown at nearly five feet long, with most of that length in his thick, powerful tail. You can spot him by his impressive jowls, those puffy cheeks along his jawline, which are a signature trait of male tegus. His calm nature makes him a perfect fit for our education and outreach programs, where he serves as an Animal Ambassador helping to educate guests about responsible pet ownership and the unique needs of reptiles like him and Dot.
Today, Clifford and Dot live a peaceful, enriched life together. Visitors often see them basking side by side, exploring their space, or enjoying their favorite snacks, especially grapes! These two tegus serve as a living lesson in the importance of proper exotic animal care and a reminder that every animal deserves a safe and loving home. If you'd like to be a part of their journey, please consider joining our Tegu Team and sponsoring Clifford and Dot today!
