Local teen provides refuge for abandoned and injured
reptiles
Gilroy – DJ Amundson is a lizard lover.
The 18-year-old, who is exploring zoology, is committed to providing the only reptile rescue in town.
It all started five years ago when Amundson’s mother rescued a snake being tortured by a group of kids. Her daughter took one look at the reptile and fell in love. When ‘Louie’ the snake was stolen, her mother brought her an injured iguana they named Sobe, to nurse back to health.
Shortly after that Amundson began working at Our Pet Shop where people often bring iguanas they no longer want. The San Martin Animal shelter does not take reptiles and instead refers people to the pet store. Amundson began taking the iguanas home. With the help of her mother and three brothers she tames, trains and nurses them to health.
“People don’t realize how big they can get and that you have to train them to be nice,” she said.
Some iguanas they have taken in have been abused, starved and injured. Others they have found abandoned. Some owners will let their iguanas loose saying they have grown too big.
“I don’t want to see an animal that has been
domesticated and can’t live in the wild left out to die,” Amundson said.
They currently have three iguanas and two Chinese water dragons. They have cared for and placed six other iguanas. They keep the animals in their Fairview Drive apartment where they roam freely.
“I like taking care of them. We try and make them members of the family and find them a home and if not we keep them,” said Amundson’s younger brother Chris Smith.
Experience has taught the family which tactics work best. They sing, take them for walks and even sleep with the reptiles. Over time, the iguanas reveal their personalities.
“It’s the beauty of having a dog without the bark or the fleas,” Amundson’s mother said.
The reptile rescue has grown through word of mouth. Before they place an iguana they make sure the family is committed to caring for the animal. They need to provide proper nutrition, larger cages as the animals grow and plenty of attention.
“They are social and love to be part of a family. All they want is contact,” Amundson’s mother said. If a family is no longer able to care for a rescued iguana, they must return the animal to Amundson.
Amundson, 18, is currently completing general education requirements at Gavilan College. She hopes to become a zoologist with an emphasis in reptiles and amphibians.
The family is currently taking donations of cash and produce to care for the animals. They also will take aluminum cans and glass bottles that they recycle for cash and usable items that can be sold at yard sales. All donated items are used in the care and placement of the animals.
For those interested in giving up an iguana, adopting one or donating to this project, contact Amundson at 449-0901.
