When Elina Walsh found an emaciated huntsman spider with only two legs, she did what most people would never consider doing — she saved its life.
The Townsville resident has now been recognised by animal rights group PETA Australia for her efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating the injured spider.
Ms Walsh received the Hero To Animals award after she hand-fed the spider, nicknamed 'Peggy', for a month, while it grew its legs back.
When she found the arachnid, she suspected it had been attacked by a gecko or a bird.
"Initially my thought was she wasn't going to make it and I considered putting her out of her misery," Ms Walsh said.
"I did a quick Google search and found out that spiders can in fact regrow legs, so I thought I would give it a go.
"I am a huge animal lover, normally huntsmen aren't my favourite choice of animal but I kind of felt sorry for her and tried to help her out."
Growing six legs in a month
Ms Walsh spent a month feeding the spider small cockroaches with tweezers; in that time the spider was able to regrow six smaller legs which became visible and functional after a moult.
Ms Walsh has a pet tarantula and scorpion and had an idea of how to feed the huntsman.
She plans to keep Peggy in her care until the spider has one more moult and her new legs are more robust.
"Now that she has got her legs back she is able to hunt quite well on her own, but the ones that have regrown are quite a bit smaller," Ms Walsh said.
"With her next moult she should have full-sized legs again and I will be quite happy to release her outside."
PETA said there was no nomination process for their Hero To Animals awards.
PETA spokesperson, Emily Rice, said the organisation saw a Facebook post about Ms Walsh's efforts and wanted to recognise her compassion.
"We take our hats off to this compassionate woman who displayed great care and respect for Peggy and went above and beyond to save her life," Ms Rice said.
Ms Walsh said the recognition from PETA Australia was unexpected but she is pleased that so many people have taken an interest in the spider's recovery.
"I am just happy that other people can learn about her story and maybe grow a bit of appreciation for these animals as well," she said.
"Everyone has been cheering for her from the get-go."
