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Warehouse workers received a shock when they recently opened a package with some unexpected contents.

Staff at a warehouse in Wellington received what they thought was an ordinary delivery of place mats on Wednesday, October 24.

But when the crew opened the shipment container, they spotted a Gray's Chinese gecko crawling around inside.

The concerned workers contacted RSPCA which is now looking after the lizard.

(Image: RSPCA)

It is believed the well-travelled reptile spent almost a month stowed inside with no food or water.

RSPCA animal welfare officer, Ali Sparkes, said: "The Grey's Chinese gecko has travelled more than 10,000 nautical miles inside a shipping container without food or water.

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"Luckily he was spotted by the staff who contacted us to help.

"We'd urge anyone who finds a reptile like this one to get in touch with us so that they can be properly identified and cared for.

"Correct identification is important as geckos, like other reptiles, have specialist needs including specific temperature, lighting, humidity, and dietary requirements.

(Image: RSPCA)

"We would always advise people to treat any unidentified animal with caution and to not handle the animal until identified accurately as it could be dangerous.

"It's also important to remember that it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to release a non-native animal into the wild."

The animal welfare charity are also looking for a suitable home with an experienced keeper.

Got a Taunton or West Somerset story? Email your thoughts and stories to michael.taylor@reachplc.com or call 01935 709742.

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