ARCHIE
THE SAVANNAH MONITOR
Learn about Archie, the namesake of our organization. Archie was the one who inspired us to research proper herpetological husbandry and advocate for reptiles in captivity.
His story is the backbone to our mission.
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In summer 2017, a Facebook post made its way across Wisconsin reptile groups, seeking to rehome a savannah monitor (Varanus exanthematicus). After an excessive number of tags, shares, and reposts, Raija and her mother, Kim, reached out to Archie's owner to see how they could help.
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As soon as accommodations were made, Archie was lovingly adopted into his new home. Deemed "aggressive and non-handleable" by his previous home, it was expected that he would never make a presence at public events. A change in husbandry quickly moved Archie's demeanor for the better, revealing his true personality as a "big, sociable lizard."
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Inflicted with numerous health issues, Archie unfortunately met his early fate on March 24, 2018, having passed in the arms of his new family. Only three years old at the time of his passing, this cut his life to a fraction of what it should have been.
WHAT HAPPENED
TO ARCHIE?
When retrieved from his previous owner, Archie weighed a hefty 13 pounds, twice as much as an ideal weight. Due to a poor diet and inadequate space to exercise, Archie had no outlet to weight down the excess fat. His body was forced to grow at an incredible rate, making him far larger than any other 3-year-old savannah monitor.
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Having been fed a strict diet of chicken gizzards for a majority of his life, Archie's poor eating habits ultimately ended his life. A necropsy was preformed, indicating precisely what damage had been done.
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Archie suffered from renal and visceral gout, a disease of the kidneys. This led to cardiovascular disease. His organs were surrounded by tophi (a deposit of crystalline uric acid and other substances at the surface of joints, in skin or cartilage) and excessive amounts of fat. This, topped with an underdeveloped immune system, all factored in to why he passed at such a young age.​
WHAT'S WITH THE X-RAYS?
Here you will find two radiographs (x-rays). These are both DV (dorsal-ventral) images, meaning the animal was laying on its stomach with its head at the top at the time of the imaging.
On the left is Archie, our namesake. On the right is Osiris, an ambassador in the care of one of our volunteers.
The radio-opaque (whiter part of the image) in the coelomic cavity (similar to our abdomen) indicates the “fat pads” of either animal. The radiolucent (darker part of the image) surrounding the chest indicates the lungs.
Here are some notable points on the below images:
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both animals are the same age (3.5 years) & species (savannah monitor - Varanus exanthematicus)
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Archie (left) was raised on a strict diet of animal protein (chicken gizzards)
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Osiris (right) was raised on a strict diet of insect protein (dubia roaches, grasshoppers & more)
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severe bloating can be noted within Archie’s gastrointestinal tract, decreasing lung capacity
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bone density & definition is far more refined in Osiris, indicating more appropriate calcium levels
ARCHIE
OSIRIS
Below, you will find additional radiographs. Archie is featured on the top, and beneath that, you will find Osiris.
This is a lateral view, meaning that both lizards are laying on their side. Their head is on the right side, meaning their tail is on the left of the image.
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Most notably, we can see the large, radio-opaque area in the coelomic cavity - the fat pads - in Archie.
While Osiris did not want to sit as nicely for this image, his fat pads are far less discernable.
WHY DID
THIS HAPPEN?
Savannah monitors are insectivores, meaning that their diet primarily consists of insect protein. Archie's previous owner fed him 10 pounds of chicken gizzards every week, and in turn, his body simply could not process that. Fat accumulated in large amounts, pushing organs up and forward. This made Archie's breathing labored and difficult for him to move.
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We use these radiographs to teach about what damage improper diet & husbandry can do to an animal and how we can better our education & care.
WHAT IS
ARCHIE'S ANGELS?
Education is knowledge, and knowledge is the key to a happy animal. By properly informing others before they receive a new pet, we can prevent mistreatment and aid in your animal's happiness.
We want these animals to do more than just survive - we want them to thrive.
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Using Archie's story, we are dedicated to educate & reinforce proper herpetological husbandry and animal welfare within our community. We use scientific case studies and explanations to reiterate why this knowledge is essential.
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Every animal that comes into our care is guaranteed a veterinary exam & continued supportive care guided by our doctor. We want to ensure every animal has a medical record to send with them to their new home. Doing this will allow us to catch potential illness before it is too late, and help us maintain top-of-the-line care for each animal like they are our very own.
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Archie's Angels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,
here to help you and your animals.
