They arrived the way so much trafficked wildlife does: crammed into pillowcases, knotted shut and left in the dark for nearly a day. But for 60 Abronia lizards, four venomous yellow-blotched palm pit vipers, a baby crocodile and an indigo snake, the nightmare ended the moment they reached the San Diego Zoo.
After officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry uncovered the animals during a years-long investigation into reptile smuggling, the Zoo’s veterinary and wildlife care teams went straight to work, untying pillowcases and assessing each reptile for dehydration, injury and stress. Dehydrated snakes were soaked in shallow water while experts worked around the clock to get temperatures and humidity just right.
Then came a beautiful surprise: while the teams were still working through the pillowcases, several of the female lizards began giving birth right there in the exam space. Unlike most lizards, Abronia give birth to live young — and by the time the dust settled, the Zoo had eight newborn lizards to care for, with more births expected.
Every rescued animal was tested for parasites and given a treatment plan built around how each can thrive. A second chance at life, made in San Diego.
Photo: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
