By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-09-25 05:24:05 | Updated at 2024-09-30 19:25:45
5 days ago
A water monitor lizard which had served as an animal ambassador at a Hong Kong conservation centre for nine years has died, just five days after it was found following a mysterious disappearance.
The 16-year-old male lizard, named “Aberdeen”, died on August 30, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden announced in a social media post on Wednesday.
Aberdeen, which was 1.5-metre-long (4.9 feet), was found on August 25 after he escaped during a medical treatment for a damaged toe and went missing for nearly two weeks.
“It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Aberdeen, our majestic Water Monitor,” the centre said. “He will be deeply missed by all.”
The centre said a veterinary investigation suggested that Aberdeen’s death might be related to his age, adding that his species usually lived for 10 to 15 years under human care.
