Huge monitor lizard removed from underneath commuter train

Nov. 29 (UPI) -- A public transport operator in Singapore confirmed a massive monitor lizard found in the undercarriage of a train parked at a depot was removed by staff.

A video that went viral on social media shows employees at railway operator SMRT's depot in Bishan dragging the monitor lizard by the tail Tuesday after it was found hiding in the undercarriage of a parked train.

"A monitor lizard was found in one of our depots yesterday and was removed," Patrick Nathan, SMRT's vice president for corporate communications, told Channel NewsAsia.

Many online commenters criticized the depot workers for their rough handling of the lizard, and officials with the Animal Concerns Research & Education Society agreed the monitor should have been left alone until experienced wildlife rescuers could be summoned.

"The presence of many people and the use of sticks to prod the lizard, which was most likely a water monitor, and the dragging of its tail, can cause the animal to get very stressed," ACRES deputy chief executive Kalai Balakrishnan told The Singapore Straits Times.

Balakrishnan said the situation could have led to injuries for the lizard or the employees.

"For this case, one thing we noted in the video was that we could hear the staff saying what they wanted was to chase the lizard out. We appreciate the effort and intention," he said.