New Kids on the Block: Meet Marble and Freddie, our young lace monitors.

They have just been released into their new outdoor den and are enjoying the north Queensland sunshine.

Only one and 2 years old respectively—they still have some growing to do. Lace monitors are the second largest lizard in Australia, reaching lengths of up to 2 metres!

While most are dark bluish grey with overall cream-coloured spots, these Bell’s phase lace monitors are characterized by broad bands of yellow and blue/grey.

Did you know? Monitors are one of the few groups of lizards that have a forked tongue like a snake!

Monitor lizards are carnivorous, preying on reptiles, birds and mammals. Strongly arboreal, they readily climb trees, using those long, strong claws, and will raid tree hollows for birds and their eggs.

It’s been confirmed that they have a gland running down the side of the jaw that produces a mild venom, similar to snake venom.  It’s not fatal to humans.  It helps subdue their prey (even though they lack fangs for injecting the toxin).

Come visit these beautiful and fascinating reptiles in their new home, just past the koalas. There is a large viewing window so everyone can admire our newest residents!