Between cats, dogs, and sad rabbits, there are snakes, lizards, turtles, lizards, mice, wild birds, and reptiles of all kinds. Even geckos.

Who knew there was a reptile veterinarian on the South Coast?

Well, one such person was Hugh Marriott, president of WIRES, a wildlife rescue organization based in Jamberoo.

For many years he has relied on the services of Dr Amanda Brett of Kiama Downs Veterinary Clinic for a constant roll call of snakes and reptiles that have been damaged by cars or rescued from neighbours’ backyards.

Hugh treks to Kiama Downs several times a month with a blue-skinned lizard that was hit by a passing car and an escaped pet central python that people found in sheds behind their homes.

Although we can’t turn down sick cats or dogs, this clinic specializes in exotic wildlife every Monday and Friday.

Dr. Amanda has a lifelong passion for reptiles, including her pet Cunningham lizard, affectionately known as Pretzel. Their individuality is an object of eternal fascination.

“Pretzel is a really friendly lizard,” she says. “He has really soulful eyes. He loves cuddles.”

Hugh especially likes blue-green lizards. This is the breeding season, and these are the people who often visit his pen in Jamberoo. Injured wild animals can spend several months there before being released back into the wild.

“They definitely have personality,” he says. “They’re amazing, really curious creatures, and they’re gentle.

“They are usually gentle. They are excellent residents of the Illawarra. They take out snails like strawberries and eat mice. They are a versatile addition to your garden.”

“We’re getting a lot of baby bluefins coming in now. They’re born alive and independent when they’re born.”

For Amanda and Hugh, their interest in reptiles started early in life.

“I’ve always loved the weird and wonderful,” says Amanda. “I grew up around the Australian forests, catching lizards and snakes when I was younger. My grandparents had a farm in Mt Cambewala.

“We’re lucky here in Australia to have so many really interesting creatures that deserve to be preserved.”

Many of the customers who bring in reptiles say they became acquainted with reptiles through their children.

“One of the big things I’ve learned is that once people first decide to keep a lizard as a pet, usually for a child, they become completely obsessed with it,” she says. “Lizards like to sit and watch TV and they want to be part of the family.

“They’ll tap on the glass to get you out. They want to come out with you.

“We grow up being afraid of reptiles. We’re taught that snakes are scary, but if you take the time to get to know them, your perceptions change. Snakes have great personalities and make great pets.”

Hugh agrees. “The important thing to remember is that reptiles aren’t coming after you.”

That said, if you find an unwelcome visitor in your backyard, he advises avoiding the area and ringing the wire.

Most lizards are happy to be left alone. But if you have blue tongue that you really want to get fixed, give us a call. don’t kill them.

Snakes are also active during this time.

“As we move into cooler climates, snakes search for places to spend the winter and stock up on food.”

Diamond pythons, which are native to the Illawarra, are not poisonous, but some can be fatal or cause serious illness. Of particular concern are red-bellied snakes, which can be life-threatening.

However, there are some to avoid, such as golden-crowned snakes and small-eyed snakes.

To contact Hugh directly please call 0401 394 444. Known as Jamberoo’s Snake Catcher, he is also WIRES’ Reptile Coordinator in the Illawarra. For other wildlife rescues, please call WIRES on 1300 094 737.