The Detroit Zoo
The gila monster can be found inside the Holden Reptile Conservation Center, located near the middle of the park. There, visitors can learn about the 70 different species (and approximately 180 individuals) of reptiles at the Detroit Zoo, one-fifth of which are considered threatened or endangered in the wild.
The gila monster is the largest lizard in the United States, and one of the few species of venomous lizard in the world. It has a stocky body with a large head and a short, fat tail. The skin consists of many round, bony scales, a feature that was common among dinosaurs but is unusual in today's reptiles. The gila monster has striking bright pink and black coloration.
Scientific name: Heloderma suspectum
Continent: North America
Habitat: Desert washes, boulders and rough, rocky country
Size: 15 to 23 inches long
Weight: 4 pounds
Diet: Eggs, young birds and rodents, as well as lizards
Reproduction: Up to 12 eggs
Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
Conservation Status: Near Threatened