‘Wrex is my emotional support lizard’ – Edinburgh reptile owner risks losing beloved pet

Wrex, the pet lizard has lived with 25-year-old Daryl Hunter for seven years and has provided him support and comfort through his mental health challenges.

The friendly lizard is often seen perched on Mr Hunter’s shoulder as he pops into his local Scotmid in Oxgangs.

Or sitting comfortably on his owner's lap as he battles through the long days of lockdown working from home as a software support specialist.

Mr Hunter said: “Wrex is kind of my emotional support lizard, as I suffer from depression and anxiety, he helps me.

“I can have him on my lap when working or during non-working hours and he's very relaxed and usually sleeps when it's late and I'm handling him.”

But towards the end of October Wrex began to lose the bright colour in his scales and started staying in his tank for long periods, refusing food.

Alarmed by these changes Mr Hunter made an emergency vet appointment which showed his reptile friend was suffering from an infection in the digestive system.

With special treatment and dedicated daily care from Mr Hunter, including regular warm baths to aid digestion alongside daily medicine, Wrex has started the long road to recovery.

But the devoted pet owner was dealt a second blow when he was landed with a £650 vet bill which his insurance did not cover.

To help pay for Wrex’s treatment Mr Hunter launched a Go Fund Me page which has already gained £170 of donations.

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