Trooper was receiving veterinary care after falling ill in recent weeks. Both the herpetology and vet teams had worked tirelessly to help him but despite their very best efforts, he sadly passed away.
Dr Gerardo Garcia, Curator of Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates, said: “Trooper was a real character and a superb ambassador for his species. Everyone is naturally very saddened by this turn of events.
“He had been receiving around-the-clock treatment for the last few weeks but unfortunately all efforts to help him proved to be in vain. This is a very sad time for all concerned.”
A post-mortem will be carried out to try and establish the cause of Trooper’s death.