Here's What's Next For Goose, Massive Lizard On The Lam In MA, CT

WEBSTER, MA — The massive lizard that went missing for two weeks has officially made his first public appearance.

Goose, the 5-foot water monitor lizard, came out at a press conference on Monday afternoon after being captured over the weekend. Officials spoke, detailing Goose's capture and his new journey to Rainforest Reptile Shows in Beverly, which is a nonprofit animal sanctuary.

Sgt. Scott Amati of the Massachusetts Environmental Police detailed the process of finding Goose. He said officers tried several attempts with hard-boiled eggs and ultimately used chicken to lure him out. Goose ended up being caught just ten to 15 feet away from the street.

The reptile originally escaped from his home in Webster on July 18, where he was being kept as a pet. Authorities said he was unlicensed because it is illegal to own this type of lizard in Massachusetts.

However, his previous owner was cited non criminally, according to Sgt. Amati.

He was spotted multiple times before his capture over the past few weeks. He was first seen over state lines in Thompson, Connecticut. And on Wednesday, he was spotted in Douglas, which is about eight miles from Webster.

Now, Goose will go to the vet and then head to his new home at RRS Oasis at Rainforest Reptile Shows. There, he will be quarantined for 6 weeks.

RRS said they will share videos and photos of him in the coming weeks.

The nonprofit is fundraising for Goose's new permanent habitat. They said he will get expert care and a specially designed living space.

“This was a true team effort, it really was,” said Sgt. Amati. “I’m grateful it had the outcome we did.”

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