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Godzilla (1935–2004). Photograph by John Binns.
The herpetology and veterinary staff of the Gladys Porter Zoo sadly report the
passing of the longest living member of the genus Cyclura on record. 

At an estimated age of 69 years, “Godzilla,” a male Grand Cayman Blue
Iguana died on 26 May 2004 of apparent chronic hepatic insufficiency. He
was ill for about two weeks prior to his death, although, at his advanced age,
Godzilla required extraordinary maintenance for the seven years he resided at
the Zoo. Totally blind in one eye and almost blind in the other, this animal
routinely brought out the “hero” in the Gladys Porter Zoo’s veterinarians.

Captured as a full-grown adult on Grand Cayman in 1950 by naturalist
Ira Thompson, Godzilla weighed over 15 pounds and was estimated to be at
least 15 years of age at the time of capture. He was imported to the U.S. in
1985 by Ramon Noegel and was placed on loan to the Gladys Porter Zoo in
1997.

Though gaunt and aged in appearance, Godzilla retained the character-
istics of a territorial, dominant C. lewisi until the time of his final illness. He
was a favorite of the Zoo’s keeper staff and volunteers; he will truly be missed.



A
dult m

ale San Salvador Iguana (C
yclura rileyi rileyi) on G

reen C
ay, San Salvador, Baham

as. Photograph by John Binns.


