Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 7, 1995 TAG: 9509070039
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
Pepo, the iguana that Margaret "Pat" Duncan brought to the school during her first year as director, died last month.
Duncan bought the iguana, a tarantula, a python and some exotic fish to educate students about how the creatures function and often are misunderstood.
The critters intrigued students visiting from other schools or taking special classes at the Governor's School.
Pepo was pretty much the hit of the bunch. A little more than a year ago, when he got in the way of an opening door and broke his leg, students worried about him until Dr. David Stanley operated and put a pin in the leg that served Pepo well for the rest of his life.
An autopsy showed his demise was caused by his swallowing a simple hair, which caused internal problems that became serious quickly.
Iguanas are not the most endearing of creatures, and Pepo had not mellowed all that much until recent years. The students liked him anyway. And Duncan said his disposition had improved this past summer.
Though Pepo will be missed, the school has acquired Puff, a younger iguana who resided in Blacksburg until she was offered to the school.
Puff is a no-nonsense iguana, too. She whips her tail around when she suspects someone is about to pick her up, though she has deigned to let students pat her on the head. Now, Duncan has to start the iguana mellowing process all over again.
by CNB