Cairns firefighters called in to rescue a trapped blue-tongue lizard from decorative log

Firefighters were called to the rescue of a blue-tongued lizard trapped inside a decorative log, after the curious reptile became firmly wedged inside with no way out. See the photos.

A blue-tongued lizard found itself in a tight spot when it became trapped inside a decorative log prompting a rescue operation by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.

Fire crews were called to Anderson Street, just before 5pm on May 24, after staff from at a 24-hour Cairns veterinary clinic contacted emergency services for assistance.

The lizard, which a Queensland Fires and Rescue spokesman said has been affectionately named Billie Blue Tongue, was initially sedated by veterinary staff prior to the fire crew’s arrival.

Firefighters rescue blue-tongued lizard from decorative log. Picture: Supplied.

“It was certainly one of our more unusual call-outs,” the spokesman said.

“He’d gotten himself into quite the pickle”.

Using precision equipment, firefighters carefully cut into the decorative log with a tiny Dremel circular saw attachment to free the trapped reptile without causing injury.

Firefighters rescue blue-tongued lizard from decorative log. Picture: Supplied.

A blue-tongued lizard found itself in a tight spot when it became trapped inside a decorative log. Picture: Supplied.

“The veterinary team had already sedated the lizard, which made our job easier. Our crew was able to safely extract the animal from its predicament,” the spokesman said.

The delicate operation concluded successfully about fifteen minutes later, when Billie was finally freed from the log.

The blue-tongued lizard appeared to be in good health following the ordeal.

While the Queensland Fire Service typically responds to more conventional emergencies, the spokesman said their teams are always ready to assist with animal rescues when specialised equipment is required.

Originally published as Cairns firefighters called in to rescue a trapped blue-tongue lizard from decorative log