AQUARISTS in Bournemouth are urging people to think before buying exotic pets during National Pet Month.

Staff at the Oceanarium take weekly calls from people looking to re-home fish and reptiles and are warning people to do their research before committing to looking after an exotic animal.

One such pet, 3ft long male green iguana Ziggy, is celebrating his second anniversary at the Oceanarium after being re-housed there following a rescue by the RSPCA.

Sarah Barker, aquatic supervisor, said: “It is essential that people understand the species they want to buy.”