Donegal woman finds Mexican red tarantula in bunch of bananas

A TARANTULA DISCOVERED in a bunch of bananas by a woman in Donegal has been rescued by the ISPCA.

The animal rescue said it received “an urgent call” from a member of the public who discovered a small tarantula in a recently purchased fruit.

ISPCA care assistant Leela Voss, who is experienced in handling exotic animals, responded to the call and identified the spider as a Mexican red rump.

Voss said the woman had bought a bunch of wrapped bananas from her local grocery store in Donegal and made the discovery once she got home.

It’s about four months old and relatively harmless, Voss said. “Once this little one reaches adulthood, it can be determined if he is actually male or female.”

Now named Parker, the spider was carefully captured and transferred in a secure box to the ISPCA Animal Rehabilitation Center for closer inspection.

A veterinary examination found that Parker was very dehydrated and lethargic after his travels “but after a little water and little crickets to eat, he began to perk up very quickly.”

ISPCA Center Director Denise McCausland said now is a vulnerable time for the tarantula as its new exoskeleton has to harden over the next few days and weeks “so we’re being very careful.”

Parker was placed in an appropriate moist habitat at appropriate temperature and humidity levels for his species and was closely monitored for several weeks. It has already grown in size and is continually weaving elaborate webs around its compound. Parker is thriving well; her old hair is thickening nicely as it grows, and she’s shedding in the last few days as well.

McCausland said Parker will be moved to the nearby tropical world of Alcorn, where his permanent home awaits him.

The ISPCA advises anyone considering owning an exotic pet to consider whether they can commit to providing care for the animal’s lifetime.

“Some can live 30 or even 50 years for some exotic species and many other factors such as lighting, heating, humidity, diet and other correct needs must be considered to keep them healthy. As with all animals, exotic pets have five basic animal welfare needs and owners have a legal obligation to ensure they are responsible pet owners. “