New York, New York

Photograph by Erik Freeland
"Veterinarian Evelyn Ivey squirts medicine down a boa constrictor's throat. Most snake problems come from improper care. For instance, people often don't provide them with enough warmth."



Alice Springs Desert Park, Australia

Photograph by Frans Lanting
“With the profile of a dinosaur and the texture of a rose bush, a thorny devil in Alice Springs Desert Park looks like trouble, but this slow-moving, six-inch [15-centimeter] lizard eats only ants. When alarmed, it tucks its head between its legs and offers the lump on its neck—a false head—to predators.”



New York, New York

Photograph by Erik Freeland
“Ryoku, a green iguana, breathes anesthetic gas that keeps him asleep during surgery. The doctor successfully removed a cyst from the base of his tail. She also prescribed a diet of vegetables.”



Costa Rica

Photograph by Paul A. Zahl
“Agalychnis callidryas: Twin rubies in an emerald setting distinguish this bright-hued midget, whose last name means ‘beautiful tree nymph.’”