VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Virginia Aquarium has restarted its popular Animal Ambassador Program, and today they’re featuring Godzilla!
“How many of y’all have seen little tiny lizards in your backyard — the ones with the bright blue tail?” Aquarium trainer Justin Fuller asked visitors. “Those are called skinks, a special type of lizard. This is Godzilla, their big cousin.”
But Godzilla is no monster. He’s a 21-year-old prehensile-tailed skink and a longtime resident at the Virginia Aquarium.
Watch related: Aquarium seal shows off painting skills
“This is the largest skink species in the world and the only tree-climbing skink species in the world,” Fuller explained.
The Animal Ambassador Program was suspended during COVID-19 but is now back, and visitors young and old are loving it.
“How many people like to eat salad? You eat your greens? I do!” Fuller asked.
That’s Godzilla’s favorite snack, too. He was happily munching on pothos, a common houseplant.
“Just like snakes, they use their tongue to smell, and they are herbivores — only eating vegetation,” Fuller added.
Watch related: Aquarium gets $3.2M from city for repairs
Unlike the other Godzilla who eats… well, everything.
Even though this Godzilla is much less intimidating, curious onlookers are not allowed to touch him because of his sharp claws and teeth.
The Animal Ambassador Program is offered for free every day at 11:30 a.m. at the aquarium.
Godzilla and his handlers at the Virginia Aquarium are offering a slithery, fun, and interactive experience — and they are positively Hampton Roads.
