strawberry

Iguanas as Prizes at the Strawberry Fest-May 29 & 30, 2004 in Virginia Beach

I called Animal Control after being alerted to the problem of the local carnival midway giving iguanas as prizes. When I got there, the man was telling people that they couldn't just give them the animal because it wasn't allowed here, BUT that they could sell it to them for $0.25 or they could have a stuffed animal. I stopped by the Animal Control Office on the way home and I was assured that an officer was issuing a summons. My city councilman has also been very helpful. The fair officials promised there would be no iguanas in the future. I know this hasn't happened before because we usually have an iguana table in the 4H tent.

While I was there, many teenaged girls and young boys were interested in winning an iguana. The first two surrender requests to rescues were in by Monday. The fair had arrived on Saturday. One pet store reported tons of calls, but they wouldn't take the iguanas because they were to small and they were concerned about their health. Another pet store took in 10 iguanas in the first week, but reported that they were sickly and one may not make it. The guy at the pet store said iguanas were an awlful prize. A third pet store near the fair reported at least 25 phone calls, but they don't sell iguanas any more. Within three weeks after the carnival, two iguana fatalities were confirmed. One fatality appears to be due to not eating as it was keep at little more than room temperature. Two months after the carnival, besides the pet store iguanas, we know two are in rescue, one was given to a neighbor, five are dead and two are missing. We are happy to report there were no iguanas as prizes in Salem, but we have received word that this carnival had iguanas as prizes at Fort Bragg in NC. Reptiles are not allowed in military housing.

Update in 2005
This carnival has been clean and doesn't even have goldfish. We can't promise this will continue, but we are glad to see the improvement.

The man at the carnival game told me that they take good care of their iguanas and they hand out care sheets. Here is the care sheet.

The Misinformation Iguana Care Sheet

The green Iguana comes from tropical America and will live on average ten years. It will grow to be about four or five feet, with the first two years being the most rapid in growth.

A thirty gallon tank with a lid, or a cage that is at least thirty-six inches long by 18 inches high and wide, make a great starter cage. The bedding is as simple as newspaper, orchid bark, or even rabbit pellets. The cage should have branches for your Iguana to lay and bask on. Maintaining an average temperature of at least 88 degrees during a good portion of the day is needed for your pet to get its heat and rays naturally. Or you can use a spot light to regulate the cage temperature.

Your pet diet should be 85-90% plant matter, such as romaine lettuce. mixed vegetables, squash, carrots, and 15% proteins such as cooked ham, crickets, and meal-worms. Fruits should be offered a few times a week. Your pet should have access to water at all times. You should mist your pet with water once a day, this will help the Iguana's shedding process and also aid with cage humidity.

As your pet grows older so should your knowledge. more information about this fascinating pet can be found at your local pet store, or local library.

(salmonella alert) Not intended for small children. Wash hands after handling.


I called Animal Control after being alerted to the problem of the local carnival midway giving iguanas as prizes. When I got there, the man was telling people that they couldn't just give them the animal because it wasn't allowed here, BUT that they could sell it to them for $0.25 or they could have a stuffed animal. I stopped by the Animal Control Office on the way home and I was assured that an officer was issuing a summons. My city councilman has also been very helpful. The fair officials promised there would be no iguanas in the future. I know this hasn't happened before because we usually have an iguana table in the 4H tent.

While I was there, many teenaged girls and young boys were interested in winning an iguana. The first two surrender requests to rescues were in by Monday. The fair had arrived on Saturday. One pet store reported tons of calls, but they wouldn't take the iguanas because they were to small and they were concerned about their health. Another pet store took in 10 iguanas in the first week, but reported that they were sickly and one may not make it. The guy at the pet store said iguanas were an awlful prize. A third pet store near the fair reported at least 25 phone calls, but they don't sell iguanas any more. Within three weeks after the carnival, two iguana fatalities were confirmed. One fatality appears to be due to not eating as it was keep at little more than room temperature. Two months after the carnival, besides the pet store iguanas, we know two are in rescue, one was given to a neighbor, five are dead and two are missing. We are happy to report there were no iguanas as prizes in Salem, but we have received word that this carnival had iguanas as prizes at Fort Bragg in NC. Reptiles are not allowed in military housing.