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A shopper got the Halloween surprise of a lifetime when he discovered a tarantula spider on a bunch of bananas.
The spider was found on bananas minutes after leaving a supermarket in Co Donegal.
The tarantula, later named Parker, was identified as a Mexican red rump. It is about four months old and relatively harmless.
The ISPCA welcomed the unusual guest to its Donegal Animal Rehabilitation Center (ARC) after an urgent call for help from the shocked buyer.
Once the tarantula has fully matured to adulthood, it can be determined whether it is male or female.
ISPCA Center Manager Denise McCausland said: “Parker was carefully captured and transferred in a secure box before being admitted to the ISPCA ARC for closer inspection.
“A veterinary examination confirmed that Parker was very dehydrated and lethargic after his travels, but after some water and little crickets to eat, he began to perk up very quickly.
Parker was placed in an appropriate moist habitat at appropriate temperature and humidity levels for his species and was closely monitored for several weeks.
“He has already grown in size and is continually spinning elaborate webs around his compound. Parker is thriving well; his former hair fluff is thickening well as he grows, also shedding in recent days.
Donegal House
The good news is that the tarantula will be staying in Co Donegal, at Alcorns’ Tropical World in Letterkenny.
McCausland added: “This is a vulnerable time for Tarantulas as their new exoskeleton has to harden over the next few days and weeks, so we are being extremely careful.
“Parker will be transferred to the nearby tropical world of Alcorn, where his permanent home awaits him.
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“There Parker can live the lonely life he needs in a specially built nursery for a spider prince or princess.”
The ISPCA recommends that anyone considering having an exotic pet should consider whether they can commit to providing care for the animal’s entire life.
Some species can live 30 or even 50 years and many other factors must be considered, such as lighting, heating, humidity, diet and other appropriate needs.
As with all animals, exotic pets have five basic animal welfare needs and owners have a legal obligation to ensure that they are responsible pet owners.
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