Punta Gorda's Iguanaland takes precautions for reptiles in cold weather

Cold temperatures are prompting animal caretakers across Southwest Florida to take extra precautions.

WINK News visited Iguanaland in Punta Gorda to see how reptiles are being kept safe during the cold snap.

Joseph Pace, the lead keeper at Iguanaland, explained the steps they are taking to protect their reptiles.

"So we supply the box," said Pace. "We put a heat pad inside the box with some mulch down at the bottom. And then a lot of the animals know to just go inside the box, but if they don’t, you just get in there with them, and you put them in the box and make sure they’re nice and safe throughout the night."

While the nights require extra care, the daytime provides a different scenario. With sunshine, many reptiles can warm themselves naturally. This includes Allie, a 38-year-old tortoise who is adept at soaking up the heat.

"So in the daytime, they have the sun, you know," said Pace. "These guys can bask in the sun and still, their body temperature will reach up to 80 or 90 degrees, even on a 50 degree day, especially our tortoises. The tortoises are like little heat space heaters, and then at nighttime, it's the opposite."

Despite the cool weather, visitors still came to Iguanaland.

Jessica Pires, a visitor from Jacksonville, shared her thoughts on the chilly temperatures.

"It’s not my first choice, but my son’s first choice," said Pires. "I have a boy, so he’s all about this kind of stuff, and I knew my husband and family would love it.

We’re from Jacksonville, so actually, really close to Georgia. It’s super cold there now, so we’re excited to have this kind of weather here."

Caretakers at Iguanaland emphasized their goal is simple: keeping the reptiles warm and toasty until temperatures rise again.