Holidaymakers from Bridgend found a 20cm lizard in their luggage after returning home from Greece.
The creature had made its way into their suitcase while they were packing to leave the Greek island of Kos.
The Welsh holidaymakers called the RSPCA as soon as they discovered the Balkan green lizard on their return. Despite a temperature drop from 26 degrees to 15 degrees during the journey, the creature was in good condition however had shed its tail – a common defence mechanism for the reptile.
RSPCA officers transferred the lizard to a reptile centre in Pembrokeshire, where it will remain.
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The creature was in a good condition, despite experiencing a temperature drop from 26 degrees to 15 degrees during the 2,383 mile journey.
“After a relaxing break in Kos, the last thing returning holidaymakers would have expected to find amid their belongings was this stunning Balkan green lizard,” said RSPCA officer Nic De Celis, who expressed gratitude to the suitcase owners for confining the lizard before the officers arrived.
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The Balkan green lizard, known for its striking green colour, is now well and eating out of its carers’ hands.