Detroit Zoo Adopts Lizards Among Hundreds Confiscated From Poachers

ROYAL OAK (CBS Detroit) - Destined for the pet trade, 343 lizards were confiscated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in September. The animals were transported in poor conditions causing 200 of them to die in the care of experts.

The Detroit Zoo has agreed to care for eight of the animals including four Sahara spiny-tailed and four mastigure lizards.

he remaining surviving lizards were distributed to other zoological institutions.

"These eight lizards represent a global crisis in wildlife trafficking. Many individual animals die in situations like this, and the impacts on wild populations can be catastrophic," said Scott Carter, DZS chief life sciences officer. "We are happy to be able to provide great care and permanent sanctuary for these lizards, and to help bring attention to this important wildlife issue."

The animals will join the Holden Reptile Conservation Center once they get a clean bill of health and are released from quarantine.

For zoo hours and more information call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.