Critically endangered tortoises found safe after being stolen from zoo, police say

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WXIX/Gray News) – Two critically endangered tortoises that were stolen earlier this month from the Indianapolis Zoo have been found safe, according to Indiana State Police.

The animals were taken from the zoo sometime between 10 a.m. Oct. 11 and 10 a.m. Oct. 12, troopers explained.

One of the tortoises is an Egyptian tortoise and the other is a Northern Spider tortoise, ISP said.

Both were microchipped and considered critically endangered species, according to state police.

This week, authorities updated the investigation, saying they were found safe and uninjured in Falls Park.

According to the Pendleton Police Department, it received a call from park visitors who, while walking on a sidewalk behind the park’s museum, came across an unattended cardboard box.

The box was said to have had a paper plate on top with a note referencing the Indianapolis Zoo. 

Inside, the visitors found the two tortoises and immediately called police, who took custody of them.

The tortoises were later positively identified as the two reported stolen after having their microchips scanned by zoo personnel.

The Egyptian tortoise species grows to be about 4 inches long and weighs 1 pound, the Indianapolis Zoo said. The animal is endangered because of habitat loss and the pet trade, the zoo explained.

The Northern Spider tortoise also weighs 1 pound but can be slightly longer as the species can grow to be 5 inches long, according to the zoo. This tortoise species is endangered because of habitat loss and poaching, the Indianapolis Zoo says.

The Pendleton Police Department said the situation remains under investigation with several agencies assisting.