Perhaps the croc monitor’s long forked tongue, similar to its Komodo dragon cousin’s, looks like a flame. Instead of sniffing out people, however, the flicking tongue of this opportunistic carnivore follows an olfactory roadmap to rodents, small monkeys, birds and their eggs, and even large insects, as well as nature’s leftovers, carrion. But these 7- to 12-foot lizards do climb — as well as hang out in and ambush from — trees. 

“Because he’s arboreal, it’s a little difficult going into the habitat to feed or clean him,” says James Clark, the aquarist in charge of the croc monitor and many of the other animals in Lizards and the Komodo King. “You have to be aware of where he is at all times. Besides looking on the ground or in the pool, you have to look up so he doesn’t drop down on top of you.”

Factor in massive curving claws, a bullwhip of a tail that is two-thirds of this monitor’s 7-foot length, and a high-strung disposition, and it’s like dealing daily with a velociraptor.

Then there are the unique teeth. “Unlike other lizards, their teeth are serrated — like a crocodile’s — so they can rip off chunks of meat,” says Clark. The teeth are as long as a Komodo’s — and sharper. In fact, these lizards cut their own gums when they eat. “So whenever you see them eating, there’s blood. It’s not from the prey. And it’s normal,” the aquarist says. Lucky Shedd guests might get to witness the monitor’s once-every-five-days feeding by Clark.