Iguanaland & The Beauty of Reptiles
Conserving history
The beauty & Intelligence of reptiles
Not many would look at a lizard or a tortoise and think that they have the capability to bond with a human like a dog or a cat would. However, I must say that those people are missing out on one of the most incredible and loving creatures on this earth.
Educating curious minds…
My best friend and little dragon companion…
I was raised with a Green iguana named Theodora and she was my companion for sixteen magical years. She taught me so much about iguanas and how they can love harder than any other dog or cat out there.
I will always be thankful for this passion she sparked in me at such a young age to pursue a career in wildlife conservation and outreach. To always see the beauty in the unknown and advocate for species that aren’t as popular or “loved” by society.
A hidden gem in Florida
Iguanaland is a must see space run by such caring humans.
I decided a few years after Theo passed to adopt a new iguana. I researched Cyclura lewisi, or the Blue iguana, and fell in love with them. I met a very sweet breeder and picked my new little one up a few days after he was available. I named him Pan after the god of the forest, but also after the spirit of Peter Pan.
This little nugget of a sweetheart went everywhere with me and I was in love.
But life doesn’t always workout how we may have wanted it to, and with the changes came a very hard decision to find Pan a more stable environment where I knew he would thrive and get all the right care for his handsome little self. I spoke with his vet at Medlin Exotic and they couldn’t speak more highly of Iguanaland.
I reached out and was greeted by Anna, who oversees the facility under Ty, whom has become one of Pan’s new favorite humans. Ever since I dropped Pan off to them, I have been consistently updated on his growth and progress. With his wonderful temperament, he has even become one of their main educational animals. I also am able to go see him anytime which makes this whole experience one that I will never regret.
Anna is always happy to share her passion.
“My favorite species of reptile is definitely hard to choose, but I’ve really enjoyed being able to work with so many monitor species, especially our white throated monitor, Luisa. Right now, we’re at just over 250 total different species of reptiles and amphibians at Iguanaland.” –Anna Meyer
Nothing is better than feeling so welcome at a place where the animals live like kings and queens.
Anna shared a bit about Iguanaland’s mission.
Currently, Iguanaland is home to 21 species of iguanas, and there are about 45 – 50 species of iguanas in the wild, depending on which subspecies are recognized.
Iguanaland has a few ways that we contribute to conservation around the world. The most direct contribution is through our fundraising events, IguanaFest and TurtleFest, where all of the event proceeds are used to fund conservation and research projects for these species in the wild, or support the groups that perform this work.
IguanaFest in October 2023 raised about $80,000 for Iguana research and conservation and provided funds for 10 different projects, including an ongoing study of potential infertility treatments in iguanas that could lead to more successful captive breeding programs for critically endangered species. That study is being done right here at Iguanaland!
Anna Meyer
Reptiles are like ancient dragons without wings.
Pan is so spoiled
I always make sure to visit
I love taking him sweet potatoes and treats, but honestly he is already so spoiled. However, seeing him and all the beautiful reptiles there brings me so much joy and peace. It is a space that any animal lover would enjoy and a place that truly needs more spotlight due to the exceptional care of their resident animals.
