Overview
- Putnam County deputies discovered a lost African Sulcata tortoise attempting to cross a highway in Florida. The tortoise was identified as a pet missing since April 2020.
- The tortoise is known as an 'escape artist,' famed for the species' ability to dig out of their enclosures. Despite escaping, she traveled just five miles away from her home.
- The missing pet was recognized through distinctive markings on her shell, which was noticed in a widely shared social media post by the police officers in hopes to find the owner.
- Upon finding, the tortoise was in rough shape, suffering from the cold without proper heat and showing signs of shell rot and missing spurs on her legs.
- Florida's Wildest Animal Rescue, which helped identify and care for the tortoise, suggested a veterinary visit and expressed optimism about her recovery.