It wouldn't be Halloween at SeaWorld without some animals... and today's Species Spotlight: Halloween Edition will feature a few of our "spooky" animals to keep the Halloween spirit going! You can meet these creepy looking critters at Aquatica, where they routinely meet guests at the Conservation Cabana.
Blue-tongued Skink
- When threatened, the blue-tongued skink puffs up its body, sticks out its long, blue tongue, and hisses. If the intended target is unimpressed, the skink then flattens out its body in hopes of appearing too large to attack.
- The skink's overlapping scales help keep out dirt, sand, and other debris. Healthy adults usually shed every six weeks, which requires an immense amount of energy from the skink, and even affects their metabolism!
- Native to Australia, these oustanding reptiles are omnivores, meaning they feed on a variety of plants and animals. Their diet typically includes insects, worms, snails, fruits, berries and flowers.
- Never release a pet, especially a non-native species like the blue-tongued skink. Foreign invaders are leading to the decline of more than 40% of endangered or threatened species in the United States and costs the U.S. economy billions annually.
Argentine Black and White Tegu
- Don't let the name fool you– they're also found in Brazil, Bolivia and Uruguay!
- In its native grassland and savannah homes, the Argentine black and white tegu starts out life eating mainly other animals. Adults eat more and more fruits and vegetation so they likely play a key role in the dispersal of seeds as they age.
- Weather too hot, too cold? If you were an Argentine black and white tegu you'd simply use your strong legs to dig a hole and bury yourself during wicked weather extremes.
- Want to hear something really scary? This reptile is hunted by the millions–usually for its skin, meat and the pet trade market–and is protected under international law.
Next time you visit Aquatica Florida, SeaWorld's water park, don't forget to stop by the Conservation Cabana for an opportunity to meet amazing animals like these phenomenal reptiles... not just on Halloween!
