Staff at Camden hospital find giant TARANTULA in a bunch of bananas

Catering staff at a hospital in Camden were terrified when they discovered a massive TARANTULA in a bunch of bananas.

The 4-inch spider was spotted while workers unloaded a delivery at the Royal Free Hospital in North London last week.

It is thought that the beast travelled 5,400 miles to the capital after hitching a ride from Costa Rica.

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Staff at the hospital managed to trap it to stop it from escaping the kitchens before an RSPCA inspector was called to collect it.

Regional exotics officer Anthony Pulfer, said: “I think they got a bit of a shock when they saw this big spider among the bananas.

“I’m sure staff at the hospital are used to seeing their fair share of drama but not usually of the eight-legged variety.”

The spider – thought to be a Costa Rican tiger rump tarantula – was taken to the RSPCA’s Harmsworth Animal Hospital for a check-up before going to the charity’s specialist exotics facility in Brighton. 

Inspector Pulfer added: “It appears to be in good health, despite a long journey but it’s also lucky not to have been accidentally chopped and cooked with the other fruit.”

The spider will now stay with the RSPCA at their specialist exotics unit at Sussex, Brighton and East Grinstead branch.

If the spider is not claimed, it will be re-homed with someone who has specialist knowledge in the species.

Anyone wanting to give it a home themselves can contact the reptile team at Brighton on 01273 554218.

Top pic: RSCPA