Common Iguana
Lisa, the zoo’s resident iguana, showed a unique attachment to her environment. In her enclosure was a large mirror, which she appeared to treat as her companion. She spent hours each day observing her reflection, often bobbing her head as if in conversation. One day, during maintenance, the mirror was removed, and Lisa’s behavior changed dramatically. She became withdrawn and stopped eating. Concerned, the zookeepers decided to return her mirror, and Lisa immediately returned to her lively self. The incident taught the staff about the emotional depth of reptiles and the importance of their environment in maintaining mental health.