Pet Store Eel Was Swimming Upside Down—Until a Shopper Stepped In to Save Him

An eel that was dying in a pet store was saved thanks to a woman who noticed him floating upside down in a tank. Heather Adamson was visiting the store when she saw the struggling eel and decided to step in. Although she wasn’t an eel expert, she brought him home, determined to try and revive him.

Her first step? Research. Adamson quickly learned that the eel—whom she later named Lazarus—had been kept in water with a salinity level six times higher than recommended. She immediately transferred him to a properly balanced tank.

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Within two days, Lazarus was no longer swimming upside down. Adamson added a mushroom-shaped shelter to the tank, which he loved and soon made his hangout spot. On the fourth day, he began eating—squid turned out to be his favorite treat. “The eel is hyped up to live, loves eating,” Adamson said after seeing him regain his appetite.

Although she felt a strong connection to him—saying they’re both homebodies who love to eat—Adamson knew she didn’t have the space to give Lazarus the life he deserved. Fortunately, she found him a new home with an eel expert who could provide the perfect environment for his continued recovery and care for him for the rest of his life.

@luminescentbukaofficial @petco what do you think??? Also stop selling eels WTF. #pnw #petco #eel #fish #fishtank #aquarium #aquascaping #AmazonVirtualTryOn #CatchChobaniOatmilk #MakeNightsEpic #rescue #animalresue ♬ Roxanne – Instrumental – Califa Azul