Hail To The Sailfin Lizard

Oh jeez, it runs across water! 

- Norman B. Isaac

“Yes, it runs on rivers,” exclaims Edward Magpayo in Filipino. He points at the three Philippine sailfin lizards enclosed in a big glass cage at Manila Zoo’s Reptile House. The 40-year old graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration has been working as an animal keeper at the zoo for the past 10 years. The sailfin lizard is just one of the animals he looks after.

“My father, who used to work here at the office, recommended me [for the job]. I know my course [does not seem related to] my present job, but I have learned to love [it],” Edward explains. The afternoon zoo-goers ogle the unique oviparous lizards which are endemic (found only) in the Philippines. The millennials enjoy their selfies with the immobile reptiles. The lizards remain stationary even when some playful kids tap the glass. Others, like this writer, crane their necks and read the information poster which hangs above the glass enclosure.