Sweetwater Iguana Surgery
Sweetwater Wetlands Green Iguana Fundraising for Surgery Cost & Update!
Photo credit - Chelsea Richardson. Albert recovering inside after surgery.
During the last week of October a large non-native male green iguana was spotted high in a tree in Tucson's Sweetwater Wetlands Nature Preserve. Many of the park visitors were able to spot the iguana and he was posted on multiple Facebook groups asking for capture and rescue services.
Days went by and a few people had attempted capture before a cold snap hit that would bring night temperatures down to the low 40s or below. Problem was the tree he chose was on the center island of a small lake area and 30+ feet high. On Nov 1st he was finally caught by Animal Experts, animal trapping and relocation services, and a citizen named Dan. They drudged through the mucky water with ladders and equipment, climbed the tree and were successful in getting the iguana down safely. 
Photo credit to- Susan Kregar
Green iguanas are native to Central America down to the tropical parts of South America and some eastern Caribbean islands. They have become a serious invasive threat to many other places due to both careless people releasing them, and their ability to quickly grow, reproduce and survive in harsh conditions.
These large lizards are common pets in the reptile industry, often sold as cheap and cute small babies but sadly they are also one of the most abandoned and dumped reptiles as they grow large, can become aggressive, and take an enormous amount of space, care and money to properly maintained these beautiful animals in captivity. The sad truth is that this iguana was most likely a dumped pet by irresponsible people.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/azbackyardwildlife/permalink/2502038136755806/
Photo credit to- Debbie WoelkyAfter being rescued the iguana was brought into Orange Grove Animal Hospital for a check-up by the amazing Dr. Jarchow and his team. His caregivers at OG clinic named him Albert. Upon viewing the x-ray it was clear that Albert would need to undergo surgery. They found a massive tomato sized bladder stone that needed to be removed. Bladder stones are hard masses of minerals, they develop when the minerals in concentrated urine crystallize and form stones.
A stone of this massive size is truly incredible and would have been painful and life-threatening if left continually unchecked.
We are happy to say that Albert's surgery was successful and he is currently recovering with experienced iguana keepers. 
Photo of the removed bladder stone.
The wonderful people at Animal Experts & Orange Grove Animal Clinic saved this iguanas life after he was so carelessly abandoned. The surgery cost for the stone removal totaled at $2,090. We are asking for donations to help cover his surgery cost, and the total amount will be paid directly to OG clinic. Additional funds have been added to account for the platform fees. Any excess funds after fees will be donated to Tucson Reptile Museum, a local 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the public outreach and education on our beautiful native and exotic reptiles, amphibians and inverts.
From concerned citizens asking for help, the rescuers who jumped into action (and duck pond water!), to the generous reptile keepers looking after him while he recovers and working to find him a new forever home, Albert has been a real group project!
Chelsea Richardson with Scaled Sitting & Services will be handling this gofundme and adoption process. We are looking for an experienced and dedicated forever home for Albert once he is recovered from surgery. For further information on his adoption requirements please message me at www.facebook.com/scaledss
Photo credit to- Susan Kregar. Photo of citizen Dan after catching the iguana and getting down from the tree.
