Tree frog found amongst bananas at Welsh Asda store after 5,000 mile trip

An exotic tree frog that travelled 5,000 miles from Colobmia was discovered in a bunch of bananas at an Asda supermarket store in South Wales.

Staff at the supermarket on Murray Street, Llanelli called the RSPCA to collect the amphibian after making the unexpected discovery.

The frog, who has since been named Asda after its rescuers, was transferred to specialist marine centre Silent World To You in Haverfordwest.

The animal welfare charity thanked the supermarket staff for their quick-thinking which enabled them to keep the frog safe.

Gemma Cooper, an inspector for the RSPCA said: "I thought I'd seen everything working for the RSPCA - but this banana-drama was a new one for me.

"We're so grateful to the members of the Asda team who contacted us. One team member spotted the frog, while another confined the frog and took him home. This quick thinking helped keep this frog safe."

Colombia is the UK's biggest supplier of bananas and it is believed the creature survived the long journey to the UK by slowing down its metabolism, a common amphibian trait.

It is currently unknown what type of species the frog as they can be difficult to identify, but it is believed to be a banana tree frog.

Ginny Spenceley, from Silent World To You, said it was not uncommon for frogs or spiders to "hitch a ride" in fruit deliveries as this are no longer sprayed or treated.

"Fortunately, he's doing really well and, funnily enough, got very comfortable in a banana skin as we helped settle him into his new, less familiar surroundings," Mrs Spenceley said.

"Asda the frog is very small - with a body about the size of my thumb, but longer back legs. Of course, we don't know if it is a baby or an adult."

A spokesman for Asda added: "We are pleased that Asda the frog is safe and well and hope he enjoys his 'hoppy' new home."