Fire crews have rescued an iguana who escaped from a house in Horncastle

Einstein managed to get 12 metres up a tree

Einstein the iguana
Author: Julie CastonPublished 11th May 2023
Last updated 11th May 2023

Fire crews have rescued an iguana called Einstein who escaped from a house in Horncastle.

It's thought the reptile followed the families' cat through the cat flap.

The RSPCA were called out yesterday and asked for help from members of the fire service from Louth.

They went to the property on Queen Street where the animal was stuck in a tree.

He'd been on the run for over 24 hours when he was spotted by a neighbour.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Paula Jones said:

“When I got the message through from our call centre to say I needed to help rescue an iguana from a tree - I told them it wasn’t April Fool’s Day!

“It’s just not a call I was expecting to ever get - however I realised it must be true as it was the owner who had called us - so I attended and could see Einstein sunning himself on the branch of the tree.

"It's not everyday you see a pet iguana in a tree - but perhaps Einstein used the theory of reptile-tivity!

“As in many animal rescues involving animals up trees I called the fire service who have the specialist equipment to carry out this type of job safely.

“I just want to say that they were brilliant as was the off duty firefighter who managed to get Einstein! We are so grateful to everyone involved in the rescue!”

Einstein’s owner Stuart Hoyle said:

“The whole family would like to express our enormous gratitude to the RSPCA and Lincs Fire and Rescue Service, especially Todd the tree surgeon/firefighter for getting Einstein out of his adventurous spot of bother.

“He has been with us since a hatchling; not only is he a family member but considers himself the head of the household! He may seem large but is only five years old but still has some growing to do, it seems that includes growing up.

“He is Einstein because he can be very intelligent and also incredibly daft. I have kept reptiles since the 1970's but waited until five years ago before keeping a green iguana, family life had to be ready for such a commitment and he is the only reptile I have."

Paul Wright, Watch Commander Support at Louth fire station, said:

“By using specialist equipment and expertise, we can make sure the public don’t put themselves at risk by attempting unsafe rescues. Although this was quite an unusual incident, our Louth and Horncastle crews were happy to help the RSPCA. No two days are the same as a firefighter!”

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