An Ikea customer found a lizard in the potted plant she had purchased from the store.
Lizard
The camouflaged grey-brown gecko was spotted amongst the leaves of the plant prompting the shopper, from Exeter, to call out the RSPCA.
Animal collection officer Clara Scully was sent to deal with the reptile, which would typically be found in warm areas in their natural habitat.
She said: "A member of the public got more than they bargained for with this plant. This little fella was hidden in the leaves. He is now safely awaiting transfer to his new home by one of our exotic officers."
Animals like lizards are usually rehomed to specialist zoos that have the necessary knowledge and facilities to care for them instead of being returned to their natural environments.