An endangered rhinoceros iguana has been missing for more than three days, but her owner has not given up hope.

Roxy is only a year old and was used to the warmth of her 36 degree enclosure before she escaped on Thursday in Didcot.

She escaped when she was being fed, running out a back door which was ajar at a home in Swan Mews in the town. 

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"She got a little overexcited and shot out, bolted out the door round the house and under the gate," owner Nicola Darwin said. 

"She's probably regretting it now."

Ms Darwin said her beloved reptile escaped out the garden gate and is now missing.

Ms Darwin said she was initially worried her pet would not survive the temperature change but she said it was now a "waiting game" - because Roxy could theoretically hibernate until July or warmer weather. 

"It's been pretty stressful but we're still hopeful," she said. 

"She's not a roaming species so she has probably tried to find somewhere warm.

"We are in need of warmer weather to help us out and we have also been in contact with other breeders of this species and iguanas across the globe for advice." 

Oxford Mail: Pet reptile Roxy is lost on the streets of Didcot.Ms Darwin and her reptile-loving family is hopeful the mid-week weather in Oxfordshire - set to reach the late teens - may help Roxy venture out. 

They have already been out at night with head torches, and searched around the area. 

Ms Darwin said rhinoceros iguanas are territorial animals so "she's probably not gone far" although they can climb as youngsters. 

The species is endemic to the Caribbean where she said they had been over-farmed. 

She had planned to breed Roxy to help with the captive breeding efforts.

Ms Darwin said Roxy is a "beautiful animal" and that she would not pose a risk to any local animals or humans. 

"If anything, she's the one at risk from cats and foxes in the area," she said. 

Oxford Mail: Roxy's owner Nicola Darwin is concerned about how her beloved pet will cope in the cold weather."If people see her it is best not to approach, not because she’s dangerous but because of the flight response."

Anyone who spots the scaly escapee should call Ms Darwin on 07885 562469 or Larkmead Vets on 01235 814991. 

The police and the local team at National Exotics Animal Rescue Service are also aware of Roxy's situation. 

She should not be grabbed but will need to be "slowly apprehended and either netted or caught", Ms Darwin explained. 

The family will be offering a reward.