Monitor lizard ‘Aberdeen’, long-time animal ambassador in Hong Kong, dies at 16

A water monitor lizard that had served as an animal ambassador at a Hong Kong conservation centre for nine years has died.

The 16-year-old male lizard, named “Aberdeen”, died on August 30, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden announced in a social media post on Wednesday.

“It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Aberdeen, our majestic water monitor,” the centre said. “He will be deeply missed by all.”

The centre said a veterinary investigation suggested that Aberdeen’s death might be related to his age, adding that his species usually lived for 10 to 15 years under human care.

“He was old for his species and was also identified with high blood pressure,” the centre said. “It appears that Aberdeen suffered from something akin to a severe heart attack.”