Sue

Sue is an ackie monitor, she is an adult about 8/9 years old, she is native to northern and western Australia, where they thrive in rocky outcrops, scrublands, and desert environments where they use burrows to hide.

She can grow to about 30-40 inches, and males tend to be a bit bigger than females.

By Lola Watts (Student Volunteer Ranger)

Key Facts

Hot, hot, hot!

Did you know that ackie monitors have one of the highest basking temperatures? Ackie monitors come from scorching, rocky deserts in northern Australia, where surface temperatures can reach extreme highs. Their basking spot must reach temperatures of 55-60c, they need these high temperatures to properly digest food, stay active and alert, support metabolism and prevent health issues.

Insectivorous diet

Sue is an insectivore, which means she only eats insects, she mainly eats locusts, cockroaches and Morio worms.

She likes to chase her food and sometimes hand-fed!

Enclosure requirements

Ackie monitors love the heat and should have their basking spot at around 45-60C and the cool end around 25-30c. Even though they are desert species, the humidity needs to be at around 30-40%.

Her enclosure has a warm side and a cool side, one for basking and one so she can regulate her body temperature. Her humidity is ideally at 70-80%. She should be misted a few times a day to keep that humidity up.

Social behaviour

Ackies are a mix of social and solitary animals, they can be found in little groups if they don't have to share things. In captivity Ackies can live up to 15 years with the proper care. Ackie monitors are active hunters, so she enjoys chasing her food and it's also extra enrichment for her.

Did you know?

Did you know that ackie monitors are one of the most intelligent reptiles? They belong to the monitor lizard family which includes some of the smartest reptiles on earth, like Komodo dragons. Ackie monitors are known for their problem-solving skills, curiosity, ability to learn routines, excellent memory and their responsiveness to the environment and their keeper. Ackies can recognise safe people, explore and map out their territory and learn food association.

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