Putney Animal Hospital takes in young Gecko

RSPCA caring for one of the tiniest stowaway’s ever
Gecko so small he only measured around the size of a thumb was found following a holiday to St Lucia.

The holidaymaker, from London, who does not want to be named, said they had returned from a break in St Lucia and started the unenviable job of washing all the holiday clothes.

But having moved a load of clothes to the washing machine, they suddenly noticed one of the tassels on their scarf starting to move.

When they looked a little closer, they discovered the tiny little gecko who they scooped up and kept safe before calling the RSPCA for help.

The tiny fella, who is so small he wouldn't even register on the weighing scales, was first taken to the RSPCA Putney Animal Hospital, but was later transferred to RSPCA Reptile Rescue in Brighton.

Manager Keith Simpson said: “Given how tiny this gecko was when found, barely more than 1 inch long, he could have easily been missed. Luckily he caught the attention of the holidaymaker who then managed to catch him and keep him safe.

“He really has had quite an adventure given the long journey he has made, but it’s still very early days for him as he’s still very young and vulnerable. We are doing all we can to give him a fighting chance and he’s currently being fed tiny pin-head crickets.

“As he is so small, he will be going to an experienced carer who will be able to give him the specialist care he needs.”

Geckos, like other reptiles, need a specific temperature gradient suitable for the species, as they are ectothermic, meaning that they rely on their environment to warm up or cool down as needed. This gecko would be very unlikely to survive UK temperatures.

The RSPCA also hopes the gecko’s remarkable trip will remind holidaymakers to always give their cases an extra thorough check before heading home just in case they too pick up a surprising stowaway.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: www.rspca.org.uk/give

November 30, 2017