Rex
Gila Monster Ambassador
Male
2001 / Young
Coming soon...
About Rex
Rex came to Liberty in 2001 as a young Gila. He was hit and dragged by a semi- truck, injuring his tail. Because of captivity, he could not be released into the wild once healed. The law has now changed; it used to be that once in captivity a Gila could not be released back into the wild. However, they may now be released within 6 weeks if able. If longer than 6 weeks, they cannot be released.
Description
Heavy bodies lizards covered with beadlike scales that are black and yellow or pink. Can get up to about 21.5 inches and 1.5-3 pounds.
Habitat
Desert and semi-desert areas with just enough moisture to support a few shrubs. Commonly create burrows in rocky foothills and avoid open areas.
Range
Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahua deserts of the southwestern US and northwestern Mexico. The name comes from the Gila River basin in Arizona where they were first discovered.
Life Span
They can live up to 20 years in the wild and over 30 in captivity.
Prey / Food
Carnivores that use sense of taste and smell to hunt for food. Food items include bird eggs, nestlings rodents, frogs, lizards, insects, centipedes, and worms. Occasionally will eat carrion.
Babies / Nests
The female lays 3-13 eggs in a hole just below the surface. Incubation time is about 4 months, and the hatchlings are ready to survive on their own immediately.
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