Leowanna the Iguana

Leowanna the Iguana rests on her favorite perch, mountain bike handlebars at the Altus Air Force Base Outdoor Recreation Office. The mascot for ODR for the past four years, Leowanna has free range of the facility and has startled quite a few customers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Cherice I. Bryant)

Leowanna the Iguana

Published Aug. 5, 2008
By Jamie Rodriques
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Altus AFB Outdoor Recreation offices provide more than just tickets, tours and camping supplies. Walking through the doors you might just be surprised by ODR's mascot, Leowanna the Iguana. The 4-foot, 14-pound iguana may meet you at the door or hanging out on her favorite place, the handle bars of ODR's mountain bikes. Leowanna has made ODR her home since 2004.

"She comes and goes as she wants," said Mr. Case. "She walks around everywhere. Customers come in and think she's fake until they touch her, or they'll be standing at the counter and she'll walk up behind them. Their reactions are the best!"

Leowanna is very people friendly, he added, she is a strawberry fanatic and kids love to bring her food. Her typical meal is left over lettuce from the bowling alley.

Leowanna was given to Mr. Case eight years ago by an Airman that was moving to a new assignment and needed to find a place for her. Mr. Case gladly took her and kept the iguana at his house for a couple of years. Leowanna has made her home at ODR ever since.