💚🕸️ Hi, I’m Jewels — and my love story is still being written… this holiday season! 🐉✨ I’m a mesmerizing Nile monitor with captivating markings, a curious mind, and a gentle heart that’s slowly learning to trust again. My story started in a difficult place — wandering alone through a parking lot 🏚️ before being rescued and brought to safety. I’ve been in rescue care since June 2023, where I’ve been given love, patience, and a second chance at a happy forever home. 💛🎁 At first, I might seem shy — I like to observe quietly 🕯️ before stepping forward — but don’t be fooled! I’m clever, curious, and observant, with a mind as sharp as a holiday elf’s wit. With time, consistency, and a calm hand, I’ll learn that humans can be kind and trustworthy companions. 🧡 🍗 A Few Holiday‑Season Facts About Me: 🕯️ I’m food‑motivated — treats are the fastest way to earn my trust (think of them as my magical holiday potions! 🧪). 🦴 I’m still working on being handled, so I’ll need a patient, confident companion who moves slowly and gently. 🎄 I’m growing into a big, bold lizard — Nile monitors can reach 6.5 feet long and weigh up to 15–17 pounds! That means I’ll need a large, secure enclosure that lets me dig, climb, and explore to my heart’s content. 💀 Fun & Festive Nile Monitor Facts: 🦇 We’re among Africa’s largest lizards — built for strength, agility, and adventure. ❄️ We’re semi‑aquatic, so we love to swim, soak, and splash in shallow water. 🕷️ We’re incredibly intelligent and inquisitive — we can learn routines and even recognize our keepers. 🌟 With proper care, we can live up to 20 years — sharing many joyful holidays together! 🏡 We need lots of enrichment, like logs, tunnels, and space to roam — boredom is our biggest curse! I’m searching for someone experienced with large monitors — someone who understands that building trust takes time but is oh-so-worth it. In return, I promise to bring mystery, charm, and a connection that’s truly heartwarming this holiday season. 💚🐉🎁 Could you be the one to help me find my forever home and finish my holiday story? 💕🏡 💛🎁 If you’d like to make me part of your family, please click the Adoption Application button below — I can’t wait to meet you! ✨🐉 ✨ PLEASE NOTE: 1️⃣ 🎁 We can only accept applications from interested parties who are in or near San Diego County, California at this time. 2️⃣ ❄️ We do not ship reptiles 🚫✈️ but may be willing to work with you if you’re able to travel 🚗. 3️⃣ 🌟 #2 will depend on the animal you’re applying for and is at the discretion of the board of directors.