A globe-trekking gecko travelled more than 2,500 miles after sneaking into the suitcase of a passenger travelling from Crete to Manchester Airport.
Holidaymaker Victoria Naylor, 45, noticed the Mediterranean house gecko when she was unpacking her belongings at her home on Sandiway Road in Altrincham.
On August 25, the day after she returned from her holiday, Victoria spotted something moving quickly inside her suitcase but was initially unable to find anything.
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Two days later, her three children spotted the gecko on a wall in their house.
“I just saw something move from the suitcase but couldn’t find anything when I searched the room - and a couple of days later it appeared on a wall in the house,” Victoria explained.
“It was so tiny and it is remarkable to think this gecko managed to travel so far especially as the temperature would not be what he was used to. “
The family contacted the RSPCA and kept him hydrated with water until animal rescuer, Inspector Jess Araujo, came to collect the nocturnal reptile.
Jess said the family had managed to confine the stowaway safely in a plastic container.
She said: “We believe the gecko is a baby as it is so small and about the size of a two pence piece.
“He has travelled more than 2,500 miles but he appears unscathed by his long and adventurous journey and unlike most travellers did not need to have Covid tests!”
The gecko has now been taken in by a specialist reptile keeper where he has been named Gary. He is said to be doing well.
The RSPCA said it receives calls from people every year who have found spiders, lizards and other exotic animals in deliveries or in suitcases.
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that these animals are able to return to their native environments.
Accidentally imported animals tend to be rehomed to specialist keepers, zoos or wildlife parks who have the necessary knowledge and facilities to care for them properly.
Geckos, like other reptiles, have specific needs including controlled temperature, lighting and humidity. This gecko would be very unlikely to survive UK temperatures at this time of year.
