A stowaway frog has arrived on the Tyne after a 6,000 mile trip from Africa.
He was discovered at a fruit and veg store in Corbridge, Northumberland - through which the River Tyne runs - concealed in a sealed bag of mint imported from Ethiopia. The RSPCA was contacted by the shop owner after the bag was opened by a customer who found the creature clinging to the mint leaves.
He is now in the care of RSPCA Inspector Lucy Green, who has tried to establish what species he is. She emailed a picture of the frog, who she has christened Minty, to a specialist exotics centre in West Yorkshire.
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Experts at Reptilia will need to examine him closely to confirm his exact species. But before making the journey to the centre in Ossett, Minty is enjoying his time as a guest in the inspector’s home vivarium.
Lucy said: “I have an exotics set-up at my home and Minty’s been fine under the lighting and heating. He’s fine, he’s been eating well and he’s certainly not skinny.
“He was a surprise discovery in a fresh bag of mint all the way from Ethiopia. A customer who bought the bag found him when he opened it up at home.”
The RSPCA receives calls every year from members of the public who have found frogs, geckos or other lizards - often when the animal has stowed away in a suitcase on holiday or in a delivery of fruit or vegetables from abroad.
Unfortunately it is unlikely the organisation would ever be able to return accidentally imported animals to their native environments, therefore these animals are rehomed to specialist keepers, zoos or wildlife parks who have the necessary knowledge and facilities to care for them properly.
Minty will be transported to Reptilia who are specialists at rehoming a variety of exotics.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care visit its website or call its donation line on 0300 123 8181.
