Huge iguana found parked up in a lay-by

Animals: 5ft-long reptile discovered by member of public

A giant iguana more than 5ft long is being cared for by animal welfare experts after he was rescued from a lay-by.

The Scottish SPCA was called out on Tuesday after a man found the reptile in a lay-by next to the A702 in the Borders.

The creature was cold and calm so the man was able to pick him up and put him in a box he had in his vehicle.

He then took the reptile to nearby Broughton Primary School to warm up and to be picked up by an animal rescue officer.

It is now being cared for at the Scottish SPCA’s centre in Lanarkshire where staff have named him Iggy.

Animal Rescue Officer Dawn-Vale Lowdon, who collected Iggy, said: “We were alerted to the lizard after it was discovered by a member of the public. Despite having a few bumps, he was all right once he had been warmed up.

“If no one comes forward for him we’ll keep him in our care until we can find him a suitable forever home.”

It is not known whether Iggy escaped or was abandoned.

Scottish SPCA Chief Inspector Fiona Henderson said: “Green iguanas are kept commonly as pets. They require a lot of care such as UV lights, heating and a big vivarium is needed to keep them comfortable.

“Despite a few bumps he was all right once he had warmed up”

“Iggy’s tail alone is at least 3ft so he’s very large.”

RESCUED: It’s not clear whether the large reptile, named Iggy by Scottish SPCA staff, had escaped or was abandoned when it was found at the side of the A702