No, that is not a large lizard.
Toronto Animal Services (TAS) recently found a new home for a caiman — in the same family as alligators but smaller — that was being kept in the city as a pet.
“Caimans and other Crocodylia, such as crocodiles and alligators are (perhaps unsurprisingly) prohibited in Toronto. Because of this, it’s not every day we get a call for a caiman!” wrote TAS on its Instagram account along with four photos, two of which that showed off the animal’s large chompers.
“Thankfully, our team were able to find this guy a much more suitable home at a reptile sanctuary. While this story ended well for the caiman, it’s important to know which animals are prohibited in Toronto — for their safety and ours.”
TAS says while some prohibited species as pets are more obvious than others — such as kangaroos and elephants — other prohibited animals it has come across include ducks, skunks and raccoons.
Reaction on social media was far less shock and more awe.
“What’s his name?” wrote one person
“What a cutie!” said another
“So cool!” remarked yet another.
“Before reading the information, I thought the services were trying to showcase him for an adoption. I’m glad that he was settled in a more suitable and natural place,” summed up someone else.