A junior doctor from Newcastle, Dr. Ben Beska, recently found himself in a rather unusual situation that has since gone viral on social media. It all started when he noticed a group of magpies making a commotion in his garden one Saturday. Curious, he went to investigate and was surprised to find a goldfish lying on his grass. Dr. Beska was baffled as to how the fish ended up in his garden, as there were no ponds nearby.
Acting quickly, the NHS cardiology doctor sprang into action to rescue the fish. He placed the fish in a freezer drawer filled with water, as it was the only large vessel he had on hand at the time. Concerned about his two cats potentially harming the fish, Dr. Beska rushed to a nearby aquatic shop to purchase a tank for the fish, whom he named Alice. The name was a result of a text message autocorrect mishap that changed „it’s alive“ to „it’s Alice.“
Dr. Beska shared the bizarre discovery on social media, posting a photo of the goldfish lying on his lawn. The post quickly gained traction, garnering over 16 million views on X (formerly Twitter). The doctor expressed his astonishment at the overwhelming response, describing the situation as „bonkers.“
In an interview with the PA news agency, Dr. Beska recounted the moment he found the fish and his subsequent efforts to save it. He described how the fish started moving when he placed it in water, indicating that it was alive. The doctor took precautions to keep his cats away from the fish and promptly bought a tank and supplies to ensure its well-being.
Speculating on how the goldfish ended up in his garden, Dr. Beska suspected that a bird may have carried it from a nearby pond and dropped it while in flight. Despite the lack of ponds in the vicinity, he believed that the fish must have traveled a considerable distance to reach his garden.
The mystery of the goldfish captivated social media users, with Dr. Beska’s original post receiving thousands of likes and comments. Some users even created a separate account for the fish, humorously detailing its unexpected journey to Dr. Beska’s lawn.
As for the future of Alice the goldfish, Dr. Beska plans to keep it as a pet. He intends to purchase a larger tank and potentially introduce another fish for companionship. The doctor’s unexpected encounter with the goldfish has not only provided a heartwarming story but also showcased the kindness and compassion of a dedicated healthcare professional.
