Overview
- Indiana State Police said the Egyptian tortoise and Northern spider tortoise were located Tuesday uninjured in a public park in Madison County.
- The reptiles were taken from the zoo’s desert exhibit sometime between 10 a.m. Oct. 11 and 10 a.m. Oct. 12, according to state police.
- Zoo staff discovered the loss during a morning count on Oct. 12 but did not notify Indiana State Police until Oct. 23.
- Both species are listed as critically endangered; each tortoise is microchipped, and the Egyptian tortoise has a distinctive underside scar.
- Authorities are reviewing surveillance and the exhibit’s accessibility and are seeking tips at 317-234-2131 or Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477.