Man steals iguana named Godzilla from Paramount pet store

PARAMOUNT, Calif. (KABC) -- The owners of a trained iguana named Godzilla are desperately searching for the person who kidnapped her.

The pet thief was caught on surveillance footage stealing Godzilla, a 7-year-old green iguana who is a star at Paramount Pet Enterprise. She is a treasured member of pet store owner Holly Cepeda's family.

"All the community knows our iguana. Godzilla is very loved by us and our customers. People stop by to see her, to check her out, to say hello to Godzilla," Cepeda said

Every day she goes out on her own to soak up, but her owners noticed she did not return Monday. A suspect took Godzilla as she was sunning herself in her outdoor sanctuary in front of the store on Rosecrans Avenue.

The brazen criminal was captured by the security cameras at the market next door. In the footage, he is seen using the ATM, buying a bottle of water and then walking out. There, he stops to take Godzilla with him.

Cepeda said the suspect's vehicle appears to be a newer model silver or gray Dodge Charger.

Godzilla's family is praying the suspect will do the right thing and return her home, with no questions asked.

"Just surrender her back. I mean she's very valuable to our family, not money wise, but just emotionally-wise. It's just heartbreaking. I really want her back," Cepeda said.