Reptile experts believe this could be a caiman alligator, native to South America, and often sold as an exotic pet. Peter Heathcote, director of the Reptile Trust, advises the public not to approach the alligator, but to contact the trust. Three small three foot long alligators were found abandoned across Tyneside in summer 1999. The new alligator could be part of that batch, after having grown. Joggers are not considered to be at risk from the Heaton Park alligator, according to a wildlife liason officer for the police.
Tortoises sometimes become disabled if they are overfed when they are young.
This means that their shells may set too deeply for them to be able to walk properly. Other tortoises may have spinal, or leg injuries. McArthur is a tortoise specialist who has researched the best type of Lego wheel, and this is not a treatment that should be carried out by pet owners on their own, or used for tortoises that are not disabled. Chameleons can eat birds and lizards, which means their tongues have to work in a special way, for them to catch such large prey. Herrel's research was carried out with Northern Arizona University researchers, and involved filming feeding chameleons with high-speed cameras.