Snatched-up slowpokes: Pair of tortoises stolen from Indianapolis Zoo
By Michaela Springer
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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana State Police in Indianapolis are seeking the public’s help finding two tortoises that were stolen from the Indianapolis Zoo earlier in October.
These tortoises – an Egyptian tortoise and a Northern Spider tortoise – are housed in the zoo’s Deserts exhibit. Investigators believe the theft happened sometime between 10 a.m. Oct. 11 and 10 a.m. Oct. 12.
Jake Oakman, the zoo’s senior VP of external relations, says the zoo is working closely with ISP to find the tortoises.
“The Indianapolis Zoo had two small tortoises stolen from our facility. We are working closely with law enforcement to investigate the theft. We continue to hope for their safe return and we appreciate the community’s support during this time. The Zoo will provide updates when they are available.”
The stolen reptiles both have microchips and are considered “critically endangered species.” The Egyptian tortoise has a “prominent scar” on its belly, police noted.
Anyone with information on the tortoises was asked to contact ISP Capitol Police at 317-234-2131 or Crime Stoppers.
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