Skip to content

Eel found on Plymouth doorstep rescued by RSPCA

RSPCA Eel in a paddling poolRSPCA
The RSPCA inspector said how it got there was a mystery

An eel was rescued by an animal charity after a homeowner found it on their doorstep in Plymouth.

The homeowner, who made the discovery on Tuesday, had placed the eel in a child's paddling pool.

RSPCA inspector Sarah Morris said: "This was not your usual type of animal rescue call.

"In 24 years of being an inspector, I've never had a call about an eel out of water!" She initially thought, from the location, it had to be a slow worm.

"But from speaking to the caller it became clear it really was an eel," Ms Morris added.

RSPCA Eel in a fish tankRSPCA
Sarah Morris said in her 24 years with the charity she had never been called to an eel out of water

The eel was later placed in a small fish tank before being taken to the nearest estuary and released.

Ms Morris said: "How it got there is a mystery, but the most likely reason would have been that it was dropped there by a heron or other such bird."

line

Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]