On the 15th February the GSPCA had a very unusual arrival.
We have seen a rise in reptiles in recent years as unwanted pets and even cruelty cases, but rarely get wild reptiles but back in February a stow away from much further East than Herm was brought into the GSPCA.
A couple who had recently been on holiday to India were shocked to find that a very unusual little creature had taken a trip in their bags and returned home with them.
At only 3 inches long and on arrival no tail Mr Patel as the gehyra (a type of lizard) was been named had to go into quarantine and following the advice from the States Vet after a number of tests and length of time we had the permission to rehome him.
Karen Jagger said “We had been home for 2 weeks after a 3 week trip to India before we found our little friend!”
“We had arranged a house move and we were in the process of moving to the new house.”
“I have a clothes rail at the new house and we arrived with my clothes to hang them up.”
“On hanging up the first three items he fell out onto the floor!”
“He did not move at first and then I screamed and my husband said what is that!”
“We then realised quickly that we needed to catch him as he dashed sideways!”
“We managed to corner him and catch him in a glass bowl.”
“We immediately phoned the GSPCA to see what we should do and they asked us to bring him in.”
“We were in shock, but now it is so funny to think that he survived a transatlantic flight!
“A lot of people have asking how he is doing and it is great to hear that he is doing well at the GSPCA.”
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “On Saturday 15th February I had a very unusual message from Karen about a little lizard she had found in her home having been on holiday to India.”
“We rescue and help over 2000 wild animals every year, but Mr Patel with his 8000km+ travel is certainly the furthest travelled we have had come into our care and without doubt one of the most unusual.”
“As a non indigenous animal the little gehya which was found with no tail went into quarantine and we followed advice from the States Vet.”
“His tail grew back nicely and he has done very well so when we had the okay to find him a home we had interest from those that had seen his story and found a new home for him through our new online rehoming procedure.”
“For those wanting to adopt an animal or register interest all you have to do is go to our website to download a form and return it to us by email or through the post.”
Beckie Bailey GSPCA Animal Care Assistant and one of Mr Patels main carers said “Mr Patel has done so well and it was lovely to see his tail grow back.”
“Yesterday he went to his new home after the new owner followed our social distance online rehoming procedure.”
“He has a fantastic enclosure and we are so pleased that he is in such a great home.”
Steve continued “We have one bearded dragon and 4 musk turtles in need of homes and possibly other reptiles very soon.”
“To see our new online rehoming procedure please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-adoption-and-rehoming-all-moved-online-and-over-phone-please-do-not-visit-shelter-time .”
“For those looking to adopt a reptile you need to have the right set up and understand how to care for these exotic animals and you can see some in need by visiting our web site as sadly you cannot visit at this time with the social distancing in place.”
“We’d love to see your pictures of your reptiles and don’t forget you can now enter Guernsey's BIGGEST Virtual Petshow which is in place of the Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday and to find out more please visit www.gspca.org.gg/blog/guernseys-biggest-virtual-petshow-launch-friday-24th-april-place-animal-welfare-seafront-sunday .”
“Raising the funds to care for the reptiles and many other animals in our care is a real challenge and to donate to our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal you can call 01481 257261, by post or online via https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal .”
By post please make cheques payable to 'GSPCA’ and post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD.
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if you are over 65, have an underlying health condition or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and only visit us if your visit is essential but before doing so please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to the GSPCA to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
For lots more ideas on how you can support the shelter and the animals in our care then please visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising
To see a list of our volunteer induction evenings which we hold each month and for more information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To find out more on trips, talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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