Argentine black and white tegu Salvator merianae

Animals in our sanctuary

Toruk

Date of birth

01-01-2016

Date taken in

22-08-2019

Toruk comes from a breeder and was bought as a pet by a couple. Because the couple broke up, Toruk was neglected for half a year. Fortunately the couple eventually realized that they were not taking good care of him and brought him to a shelter.

Where does he feel most at home?

The Argentine black and white tegu lives in the tropical rain forests, savannas, and semi-deserts of eastern and central South America.

What’s his favourite food?

These tegus like to eat insects, spiders, snails, fruits and eggs of other reptiles or birds.

Fun fact

A teju can drop a part of its tail to distract an attack. The tail keeps moving for a while after it fell off.

The black and white teju hibernates for 3 to 6 months. They don't eat or drink anything during that period.