Lost lizard saved by cat lovers

It turns out cats are not the only ones who need rescuing around the inner-city.

A dazed lizard found outside the Cat Protection Society’s shelter in Newtown last month was in need of help. Feline services manager, Nerida Atkin was called and a rescue team was promptly sent out to capture the bearded dragon.

‘‘There are lots of cars going past outside, and we were worried about him getting attacked,’’ she said.

Staff soon fell in love with the reptile and affectionately named him Roger. But they soon discovered he was sick.

‘‘He didn’t look very happy. His eyes were squinty, and he was a bit off colour,’’ Ms Atkin said.

She said he was doing a lot better now, and will soon be released back into a lizard-friendly area in Newtown.

‘‘I think everyone will be worried about what will happen to him, but he’s pretty feisty,’’ she said.

Chief executive of the society, Kristina Vesk, was excited about Roger.
‘‘We’ve had about a dozen dogs handed in over the years but never a lizard,’’ she said.

8 May 2013. Central Sydney Magazine, Amy Cheng

Picture: PHIL BLATCH.