By KLTV Newsdesk –
A baby gecko has miraculously survived a 5,000-mile journey hidden in a holidaymaker’s suitcase from Zanzibar to West Yorkshire.
The tiny lizard, about the size of a pound coin, was found by a couple four days after they arrived back home in Blackwell Crescent, Wakefield.
After returning from their holiday, the couple began unpacking on March 23; it wasn’t until March 26, while finishing off the unpacking, that they discovered the tiny gecko.
They quickly put the gecko in a plastic container and called the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
‘Big Surprise’
Animal Rescue Officer David Holgate, who was sent to pick up the lucky lizard, said: “It is a big surprise that the gecko survived such a long haul journey in a suitcase – then to stay there for another four days before being spotted is pretty amazing.”
The tiny stowaway was taken to Reptilia Exotic Animal Rescue in Ossett, West Yorkshire. The RSPCA thanked the couple for contacting them and the animal rescue centre for their assistance.
‘Commonly Seen’
“Accidentally imported geckos are very commonly seen in the majority of reptile rescues up and down the country,” said a spokesperson for Reptilia.
“We have a few of them with us at the moment that have come from various continents. They seem to adapt very well to captivity and are seen to thrive in bioactive settings.
“Once this one has settled in, it will be ready to be rehomed once the quarantine period has passed.”
Specific Needs
Stowaways from abroad, such as geckos, may have specific needs, including controlled temperature, lighting, and humidity.
They would be unlikely to survive outside UK temperatures, and it is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to release them or allow them to escape into the wild.
They must be rehomed to specialist keepers, zoos, or wildlife parks with the necessary knowledge and facilities to care for them properly.
The RSPCA always advises people to treat any unidentified animal with caution until identified accurately and to avoid handling an animal that has been discovered as accidentally imported.
The charity also reminds holidaymakers to thoroughly check their cases before heading home, just in case they have picked up a surprising stowaway.
Loading ...