A STOWAWAY lizard travelled more than 10,000 miles in a shipping container from Australia to Sussex.
The large wild lizard, now named Patrick, spent six weeks in the container which set off from Brisbane and was “lucky to survive”.
Patrick was found in an industrial estate in Chichester but is now at the RSPCA specialist reptile rescue centre in Brighton and the charity wants to find him a home.
RSPCA Brighton reptile expert Laurie McColgin said: “As Patrick is wild and was not born in captivity we would like to find him a large specialist home ideally in a zoo or somewhere with a large walk-in enclosure.
“It’s likely his voyage would have lasted at least six weeks. It’s unbelievable he managed to survive the ordeal, he is very lucky!
“He will need a very large arboreal set up with a large water source and lots of climbing branches.
“Once he is back to full strength we will be researching places for him to go.
“We would always advise people to treat any unidentified animal with caution until identified accurately and not to try to handle an animal that has been discovered as accidentally imported.
“We are incredibly busy over the summer months so if anyone does find a stowaway as they are unpacking it would really help us if they contacted their nearest zoo or exotic pet shop in the first instance - so our frontline officers can prioritise rescuing animals from cruelty and neglect.”
Patrick arrived at the RSPCA reptile centre in Brighton on Wednesday, August 31.
He was brought in by West Sussex wildlife protection.
The RSPCA receives calls throughout the year from people who have found exotic animals stowed away in deliveries or in suitcases.
RSPCA scientific officer Evie Button said: “We would recommend always thoroughly checking your suitcase before leaving a holiday destination.
"Summer is a busy time for us as highlighted in our cancel out cruelty campaign - we receive around 134,000 calls a month a month and our officers are flat out trying to prioritise animals affected by cruelty and neglect.
"So a few extra minutes checking your suitcase could help save our officers’ time.”
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