It’s not every day you come across a suburban garage covered in spray paint.
But one bright red message scrawled across a roller door recently caught attention—and sparked an outpouring of affection from Australians.
What followed was a story that not only warmed hearts but also highlighted our deep connection with the creatures that share our backyards.
A familiar guest in the garden
For more than a decade, a local homeowner had shared her yard with an unexpected but welcome resident: a blue-tongue lizard who had made itself comfortable beneath her patio slab.
Over the years, the lizard became a regular fixture, often seen basking in the sun and helping to keep pests in check.
But when the property was sold to a developer and demolition loomed, the woman became increasingly worried for her scaly mate’s safety.
A reptile rescue mission begins
Wanting to ensure the lizard wouldn’t be harmed during construction, the homeowner reached out to local snake wrangler and WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service) volunteer, Tyler Gibbons.
‘We went over probably three or four times to try and work out how to get it out,’ Gibbons said.
‘We did everything we possibly could. We put food out. We put some water underneath the slab, trying to get it to pop out… but no chance.’
The lizard, likely in winter hibernation or simply avoiding the noise, remained hidden.
Spray paint to the rescue
As the settlement date unexpectedly moved forward, the woman’s anxiety spiked.
She hadn’t seen the lizard in a week and was haunted by the thought of it being crushed under the excavator’s treads.
With time running out and Gibbons unable to return before demolition began, she took matters into her own hands.
In a bold and heartfelt move, she grabbed a can of red spray paint and wrote across her garage door:
‘Lizard under slab’, complete with a large arrow pointing to the likely hiding spot.
She even included Gibbons’ phone number in case the tradies needed expert advice.
How the tradies responded
Photos of the garage message quickly went viral online, with Australians applauding the woman’s commitment to protecting her backyard companion.
Gibbons wasn’t surprised. ‘You’d be surprised how many people are fairly passionate about their reptiles and what lives in their backyard. It’s almost like another pet that someone lives with on their property,’ he said.
When he returned to the site to check in with the construction crew, Gibbons was relieved to find that the message had worked.
‘They were a little bit cautious when they pulled that slab up and broke it up, just to see if it was there or not,’ he explained.
‘They didn’t notice it, but that’s probably a good thing. Hopefully, it had moved on because of all the vibration with the excavators. So you never know. Fingers crossed.’
Why these reptiles matter
Blue-tongue lizards are a common sight across suburban Australia, especially in areas like the Sutherland Shire in Sydney.
They’re known for their calm nature and are considered excellent allies in the garden, feasting on snails, slugs and other unwanted pests.
More importantly, they’re protected by law—it is illegal to harm or relocate them without proper permits.
For many Australians, seeing a blue-tongue in the garden is a sign of a thriving ecosystem.
A small act of kindness with a big impact
This simple yet touching gesture reminds us of the wildlife that quietly coexists with us in urban spaces.
Whether it’s placing out a dish of water during hot days, constructing a lizard-friendly rock shelter, or even spray-painting a warning for tradies, small efforts can make a significant difference.
What about your backyard neighbours?
Have you ever formed a bond with an unexpected visitor in your garden? Perhaps a possum that drops by at night, a magpie with a regular song, or a blue-tongue that lounges by your shed?
We’d love to hear about your experiences—and your tips for peacefully living alongside Australia’s unique wildlife. Share your stories in the comments below. Your advice could help another animal-loving neighbour do the right thing too.
Also read: $17K gone in a flash—the ruthless scam that left a tradie totally alone
