Yellowknife (Oct 31/03) - The case of a missing reptile made science class a little more interesting at Sir John Franklin high school recently.

Gieko the gecko has reached icon status at Sir John Franklin after two weeks on the lam. Science student Keenan Miller holds the class pet tightly so it doesn't escape again. - Lisa Scott/NNSL photo

Gwen Young's Grade 9 science class noticed the empty cage two weeks ago and started a search for Gieko the gecko.

He escaped when the lid of his cage was left open. Geckoes have thousands of microscopic hook-like projections on their feet, allowing them to climb up smooth surfaces, like glass walls.

The approximately 15 cm reptile was donated to the classroom last year by a student and lives in a cage filled with heated rocks.

Gieko is suited for tropical climates. He needs the heat in order to live in Yellowknife.

Students Keenan Kakfwi, Stephen Kruger, and Keenan Miller wondered if he had slipped into the ventilation system, or managed to get outside. The horror that he had been stepped on was pondered as well.

Young sent out an email message asking students to keep an eye out for him.

But in two weeks there were no sightings of the reptile, likely because geckoes are nocturnal, conducting their activities under the cloak of darkness.

Geckoes are prone to stress and change colour accordingly, says Young. They are green when active, black when stressed and brown most of the time.

When he moved to the classroom last year, Young says he was black with stress.

Found at last

When Gieko was found by students in Young's biology 30 class two weeks later, huddled in a cabinet close to a wall, students were amazed he was alive.

Miller figured heat in the walls attracted the tropical creature. He likely slept while students were looking for him.

Gieko depends on a feast of three to five live crickets a day and the security of his heated cage. While on the lam, Miller thinks he must have been cold and hungry.

"That's why it's such a big deal," says Young.

The reptile could have caught its own insects, possibly spiders or flies.

Young keeps odd pets in her science class so students can interact with animals they normally aren't exposed to.

She also has a tarantula in her classroom.

Gieko is safely ensconced in his cage again, with cement bricks blocking his escape route.

Students say he is relaxed and comfortable after his escapade and prepared to live out his 30-year life span.