A skank or a skink?

I spent today in Myrtle Beach celebrating the life of my cousin, Raymond, who passed away at the age of 54.  While most would be sad and morning, my family was celebrating his life. Raymond was diagnosed as a child with cystic fibrosis and wasn't supposed to live past 12.  Even with today's technology, those diagnosed are only expected to live until the age of 35. So needless to say, living to be 54 deserves a celebration. 

The celebration was held at a tiger preserve where they breed rare tigers to help preserve the species.  The preserve also has chimps, elephants and other large cats.  It was a rather peaceful and beautiful place.  Unfortunately we didn't get to see any of the tigers.  However, while sitting with family, exchanging stories I stood up to grab a drink and noticed there was a lizard on the back on my chair. Since we were under a pavilion, for some reason, I thought it was fake. Boy was I surprised! I asked my cousin, who helps out on the preserve, what that thing was.  He informed me it was a skank.  Wait, a skank or a skink? I'm still not sure. Either way, just when I thought I was done playing with lizards, they moved the seat cushion and there were more of these things but bigger! It freaked me or a little that I had been practically sitting with these things underneath of me for who knows how long, but with tigers and elephants nearby, I guess it shouldn't have surprised me!

Here's a photo of my little "friend."