This beautiful red tegu was found roaming the streets of Falmouth before she was picked up by local animal care and control staff. Falmouth Pet Center kept her for the required period of time before contacting us about giving her a forever home. Rosita, along with many other residents of the zoo, have came to us because they were either orphaned, injured, or confiscated and now take on the important role of educating visitors about their stories.
Red tegu’s are native to Argentina and inhabit tropical forests, savannahs, and flatlands. Tegu’s are often sold as pets when they are young, small, and “cute”, but can grow to nearly four feet long. Unfortunately, tegu’s are often let go or released which can be detrimental to local wildlife.
You can see Rosita in her new home in the zoo’s Aquatic Environment Center or you may even get the chance to meet her out and about with our education staff. Rosita will serve as an ambassador for her species and educate zoo visitors about the threats of invasive species.
Find out more about our new Zoomobile programs, and how you can book a visit with Rosita! https://www.bpzoo.org/
