Rare lizards found in video tape

Three rare alligator lizards are being cared for at the animal reception centre at Heathrow Airport after being found in a video tape at Gatwick.

The reptiles were intercepted by customs officials in a courier parcel at the West Sussex airport en route from Guatemala to the Czech Republic.

The UK Border Agency said black market dealers would pay over £1,000 for two Cope's arboreal alligator lizards. They cannot be sold legally and it is believed there are no others in the UK. Officials are now looking for a new home for the creatures.



"Unfortunately, sending live animals by courier and through the post has become more common, with many cases being discovered across Europe, including the UK," said Charles Mackay, head of the border agency's illegal animal trade team.

"This isn't the first time that VHS cassettes have been used to conceal live reptiles.

"We have also seen cut-outs in books, children's toys and ornaments used to hide animals such as spiders, frogs, snakes, chameleons, tortoises. Even birds and birds' eggs have been sent in this way."