Staff at an animal hospital were shocked when a giant lizard measuring nearly four foot was brought in by a member of the public after it was found roaming on a nearby common.
The 46-inch Blue tegu was found abandoned in Morden Hall Park and brought into Merton's Blue Cross building.
Elise Smith, deputy nurse manager at Blue Cross Merton, said: “It’s very rare that we get reptiles handed into us, we’ve certainly never seen anything as large as this.
"We were not sure what it was at first. It’s the first tegu we’ve seen here at Merton.
"It’s lucky to be alive given the recent bitterly cold weather."
The adult male reptile, thought to be between three and five years old, was chipped, and registered to a French company.
Tegus are an omnivorous species which live in tropical rain forests and deserts of east and central South America. They are capable of running at high speeds and can run bi-pedally for short distances.
If threatened they can whip their tails to swipe at aggressors and can even charge and inflict a painful bite. They often use this method in territorial defence, with the mouth open and front legs held wide to look more threatening.
“We understand that people’s circumstances can change and would always urge pet owners to reach out to their nearest animal charity for help if they are struggling with a pet rather than abandoning them to fend for themselves,” Ms Smith added.
Luckily the tegu has found an experienced home with Harry Craft, a reptile expert who was recommended to Blue Cross by the exotics team at the Royal Veterinary College.
Mr Craft, who is studying Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, said: “I’m currently treating the tegu with an injection as he has a respiratory infection.
"If left without treatment, the infection could have proved fatal but he is making a good recovery.
“It’s clear that he hasn’t been fed the correct diet which has led to him being overweight."
Blue Cross have now issued renewed warnings against buying exotic pets.
Steve Goody, Blue Cross deputy chief executive, said: “We would never suggest buying exotic pets, as it can be difficult to meet their welfare needs in a home environment.
“Unfortunately, it is far too easy to buy tegus and other reptiles online and many people do so without realising the amount of care and commitment they need.
“We would like the government to commit to a proper review of the regulations surrounding the breeding, sale and keeping of exotic pets.”
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