Iguanas - An unusual interesting & exotic pet choice

If you have a child between 4 and 8 this amusing tale about Iguanas is sure to be entertaining. Read as Alex tries to convince his mom to let him have an Iguana as a pet.

There's just something about an Iguana that I've always found intriguing. Growing up I not only wanted one, but if I had to choose what animal to be, the Iguana would be my first choice.

I'm actually not a big fan of reptiles, there are actually some lizards that make me shudder and cringe, but when I think of an Iguana, I'm almost in love.

It's the one exotic pet that I'm fascinated with and have a weak spot for, most people don't share my affection for these creatures but that's fine with me. Allow me to share my fascination with this unusual pet and why I've always wanted an Iguana as a pet.

Image credit: pictures of iguanas on this page are in the public domain.

The photos in The Iguana Handbook are amazing, they truly capture the regal and majestic personality of this reptile, the picture on the cover is the image that comes to mind when I think of Iguanas.

Iguanas have always struck me as regal and confident creatures, they always seem to hold their chin up with an air of confidence befitting royalty. They seem unperturbed by the fact that people dismiss them as mere lizards and seem to have an inner confidence as though to say "I have a secret, and If you knew who I truly was, you'd bow before me". The pride in each step seems to say "I am lord of all I survey..."

This majestic image was further reinforced for me on my trip to the Virgin Islands, where I witnessed some of the largest Iguanas I have ever seen, ever so casually cross the street in no particular hurry as traffic (to my surprise) had little choice but to wait on them. It is actually illegal to kill an Iguanna in St.Thomas (oh the joys of living on an island where the wildlife is protected) in many other countries if they were spared from becoming road kill they would certainly end up in someones pot!

Had I read about the temperament of iguanas I would know what to expect when I met one in person.

My trip to the land where dinosaurs (i mean Iguanas) ruled the earth... Oh how I wished I could have taken one home with me or else stay in the land where Iguanas freely roamed.

I remember a particular plant , a green spiky cactus-like plant that made a perfect camouflage for the iguana, lots of shade and room to move about, they loved it.

I would often stare at this plant as I passed on foot, trying to figure out what was plant and what wasn't. Those were my days of inexpensive disposable cameras that never did justice to anything in nature worth shooting.

I would have liked to have petted a wild one that was inches from me on my travels... but figured that they probably might not take too kindly to having their personal space invaded by a random stranger and act out accordingly, after all their armored appearance must be there for a reason, otherwise they'd probably be covered in warm toned cuddly fluff.

Still, in a sense, a sense I felt we were kindred spirits.

Stunning photos and beautiful images of iguanas can be found in this look and learn book for kids.

Iguanas also strike me as very alert and seemingly intelligent creatures simply by their mannerisms. It's the way they turn their heads and dart their eyes inquisitively, analyzing and surmising their environment and whatever company that happens to pass them. Nothing seems to pass unnoticed under their watchful eyes. Almost covered in what might seem like an impenetrable armor complete with spikes the iguana gives an appearance that seems to say "I'll keep my guard up, you keep your distance, and we'll both be just fine" and in a look warn "don't thread on me".

Don't let his appearance lead you to judge him too quickly however, for despite a somewhat seemingly standoffish appearance, this creature has a very attractive phlegmatic demeanor, that is to say that in general pet iguanas are very easy going, laid back and as docile a pet as one could wish for, and are far from aggressive.

I've often felt a little envious of the lone fellow who would casually walk around the town seeming to beg the question from wandering eyes "...ehh, excuse me, but do you know there's an Iguana on your shoulder?"

Not all Iguanas are created equal - how many pets can you think of besides birds and fishes that naturally come in blue?

Well I was impressed by the common green Iguana until I came across iguanas in the color blue. It was like finding a naturally blue rose!

Other colors and species also exist including red and the grey, earthen shades and the subdued tones of the marine Iguanas but none of these I care for, I only have eyes for Iguanas in green and blue.