Lizard Hitchhikes from Florida to Aberdeen
The Scottish SPCA is caring for a lizard who hitched a ride from Florida to Aberdeen in a suitcase.
Scotland's animal welfare charity was alerted on Sunday when Siouxsie Mackenzie and family discovered the brown anole lizard in their Ferryhill home and nicknamed him Flo Rida.
The lizard is currently being cared for at the Scottish SPCA's Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Drumoak and has been offered a new home by Nick Martin, who has an exotic animal rescue charity in Inverness.
Siouxsie said, "I recently got back from Florida with my partner and eight year old daughter so the lizard must have jumped in one of our suitcases as we were packing.
"I was emptying the cases and preparing to do a washing when I spotted him sitting on the bathroom floor.
"He is quite cute looking and didn't scare us. My daughter was even quite keen for us to keep him but we understand this isn't possible as he is a wild animal and we are glad he has found a home with someone who knows how to look after him."
Kyle McWhirr, animal care assistant at the Scottish SPCA's rescue centre in Drumoak, said, "Flo Rida is a small lizard around two to three centimetres long.
"He seems to be lively enough, although he is quite underweight.
"We're very pleased Nick has offered him a new home as we know he has the knowledge and experience to provide Flo Rida with proper care and a suitable environment."