Fort Worth Zoo
There are local icons, and then there’s Iggy. For nearly 15 years, the lime-green iguana sculpture has perched proudly atop the Fort Worth Zoo’s Burnett Animal Health Science Center, wearing hats that have rivaled its charm: a block of cheese for Super Bowl XLV, a Thanksgiving turkey, and even a “Terrible Towel” to honor the Pittsburgh Steelers. But now, in the name of preservation, Iggy is stepping down temporarily for a much-needed refresh.
Standing at a whopping 40 feet long and weighing 2,600 pounds, Iggy isn’t just any reptilian art piece. Created by the late Bob "Daddy-O" Wade, a man who redefined Texas kitsch, Iggy’s story is a road trip through pop culture. Born in the hustle and neon glow of New York City, he first lived atop the Lone Star Café, rubbing shoulders (figuratively) with legends like Willie Nelson, Albert King, and Roy Orbison. For 13 years, Iggy watched the Big Apple groove beneath him, becoming a beloved fixture of the city’s art-meets-nightlife scene.
When the Café closed, Iggy’s journey wasn’t over. Purchased by a Virginia couple, he traded the urban skyline for farm life—but his cult status remained intact. By the late ’90s, Wade and financier Monk White couldn’t resist giving Iggy a second shot at the spotlight. They reclaimed the sculpture, planting him in Tribeca, where he continued to charm passersby with his larger-than-life presence. Eventually, Fort Worth’s own Lee M. Bass brought Iggy home, placing him at the Zoo to coincide with the 2007 opening of the Museum of Living Art (MOLA).
But 15 years under Texas skies can be rough. Rain, hail, sweltering heat, and the occasional ice storm have all taken their toll. Now, a team of artists and engineers is stepping in to give Iggy the makeover he deserves. From structural reinforcements to a weather-resistant topcoat, the restoration promises to bring back the sparkle that’s made him an icon.
Fort Worth Zoo
In true Fort Worth fashion, the community isn’t letting Iggy rest in anonymity during his downtime. Before the refurbishment kicks off, locals are invited to take Iggy on adventures. By downloading a "Flat Stanley"-style cutout from the Zoo’s website, fans can photograph their pocket-sized Iggy exploring Fort Worth—be it posing at the Stockyards or cheering on the TCU Horned Frogs. Social media is already buzzing with the hashtag #WhereIsIggy, a playful way to keep the iguana’s spirit alive while he’s off-duty.
“After years of rain, snow, ice, extreme heat and a little hail damage, it’s time to give Iggy a much-deserved makeover,” said Ramona Bass, chairman of the Fort Worth Zoo Board of Directors. “The Fort Worth community has grown fond of this one-of-a-kind, funky, lime green giant iguana and we want him around for many more years to come!”
With plans to reinstall Iggy later this spring, the countdown is officially on. Until then, Fort Worth’s favorite lime-green lizard will be spreading his charm across the city one “Flat Iggy” photo op at a time. Keep an eye on the Zoo’s social channels for updates, because when it comes to Iggy, there’s always a new story waiting to be told.
