17-year-old male leopard tortoise : “Lost Tortoise Found 300km Away”

By Trend News Line 2024-04-10 03:50:08.

The Great Tortoise Heist

In a bizarre turn of events, a 17-year-old male leopard tortoise was stolen from the Ti Point Reptile Park, along with a green iguana. The reptile park, located near Leigh in north Auckland, was left in shock after the theft occurred between March 19 and 20. police immediately launched an investigation and appealed to the public for any information regarding the whereabouts of the stolen animals. There were serious concerns for the welfare of the creatures, with fears that they may have been sold illegally on the black market.

A Mother’s Discovery

After days of uncertainty and worry, a Northland mother made a surprising discovery that led to the recovery of the stolen tortoise. It was reported that the woman contacted the reptile park after her daughter was gifted a tortoise for her birthday. However, she was reluctant to reveal the identity of the gift-giver. With the help of the police and the Department of Conservation (DOC), the tortoise was safely handed over in the bustling main street of Kaitaia. The stolen tortoise was then reunited with its rightful home, making a nearly 300km journey back to the reptile park.

The Hunt Continues

While the stolen tortoise was successfully recovered, the whereabouts of the green iguana remain unknown. Sergeant Dan McDermott confirmed that the search for the missing iguana is still ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to unravel the mystery of how the tortoise ended up in the Far North. It is believed that there may be a black market breeding programme involving leopard tortoises, considering their impressive size and weight. Leopard tortoises are known to be the fourth-largest tortoise species globally, with the ability to reach weights of up to 40kg, although they typically weigh between 10kg and 15kg.

By expanding and restructuring the details of this peculiar incident, we can appreciate the dedication of the authorities in ensuring the safety and well-being of these exotic creatures. The return of the stolen tortoise to the reptile park brings a sense of relief and joy to the staff, who can now continue their important work of caring for these unique animals. The story of the great tortoise heist serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect vulnerable species from illegal activities..

– Stolen tortoise found far away
– Tortoise recovered far from home.