A giant South American lizard has been officially given two names, after a half-term competition at Hastings Blue Reef Aquarium.
The Argentine black and white tegu, which can grow up to a metre-and-a-half in length and weigh around seven kg, is the latest addition to the Rock-a-Nore Road attraction’s Jungle Room display area.
However staff decided to enlist the help of their younger visitors to come up with a name for the remarkable-looking reptile.
Blue Reef’s Leanna Lawson said: “We ran a competition over the school holidays and invited youngsters to suggest possible names for him.
“There were lots and lots of great entries and it was such a tough decision we ended up giving him two names.
“His first name is now officially ‘Pedro’, which was suggested by three-year-old Erika Overy from Hertfordshire, and his second name is ‘Strawberry’, which was the choice of Zarah Dennis, aged six, from here in Hastings – strawberries are one of the tegu’s favourite treats to it’s perfect for him,” she added.
As well as having the honour of naming the lizard, both Erika and Zarah also received annual passes to the Blue Reef Aquarium.
Despite their impressive dimensions, tegus can develop surprisingly close bonds with their keepers, even learning to come when they are called.
In captivity it has been noted some individuals actively seek out human company.
“Hopefully Pedro Strawberry will live up to his loveable name and develop a close relationship with his keepers,” added Leanna.