Mystery as crabs found in Birmingham lift
It's certainly not something you see every day - particularly in the West Midlands.
So one woman got a shock after finding two shore crabs in the lift at her block of flats.
It is not known how the pair came to be there but they have now been given a new - and more suitable home - at The National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham.
They were discovered by a concerned member of the public as she got into a lift in the Birmingham tower block and she took them to the centre in a Tupperware container.
Both crabs are now being cared for by experts in the behind-the-scenes quarantine area at the Sea Life Centre, and over time they will be moved out to shoreline and rock-pool displays.
Unfortunately the full story of their journey may never be known, as their rescuer did not leave her details with staff at the centre.
One theory is that they may have been brought back to the region by holiday-makers.
James Robson, curator at the tourist destination, said: "Over the last few months most of the UK has experienced warm weather with many people heading on UK seaside holidays and hitting the beach.
"However, if people go crab fishing or come across any other sea creatures on their travels, they shouldn't bring them home – they are very sensitive creatures and need to be kept at a certain temperature with a good supply of sea water or they won't survive.
"So please, check your children haven't smuggled any with them as a pet and leave them where you found them where they can survive and thrive."
The National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham has an aquarium that is home to more than 2,000 creatures such as sharks, including the UK's only hammerhead sharks, as well as a rescued giant green sea turtle, otters, jellyfish, piranha, octopus and stingrays.
For more information or to book tickets see www.sealife.co.uk/birmingham/, or see www.facebook.com/sealifebirmingham
