Police seek owner of large tortoise found wandering alone in Gloucester County
The tortoise was found near Church and Academy Streets on Monday in Monroe Township, police said.
Police in Gloucester County on Monday issued a playful appeal to find the owner of a large tortoise discovered wandering alone in Monroe Township.
“Our officers had an unusual encounter today near Church Street and Academy Street when this little guy was found wandering the area without identification, registration, or any explanation as to where he was headed,” the Monroe Township Police Department posted on social media.
Under the headline of “FOUND: ONE VERY SLOW-MOVING SUSPECT,” the department posted several photos of the sand-colored tortoise, which appeared to be about two feet wide and around three feet in length.
“After a brief foot pursuit (we won), the suspect was safely taken into custody. Needless to say, the platoon had a little fun with this call!” the department said.
“We’re now looking to reunite our shelled friend with its owner. If this turtle belongs to you, or you know where it may have escaped from, please contact the Monroe Township Police Department or Gloucester County Animal Shelter. Please share and help us get this big guy back home!” the department said.
On Sept. 17, a woman reported on Facebook that a sulcata tortoise, also known as an African spurred tortoise, went missing in Monmouth County. The tortoise looks very similar to the one found in Monroe Township.
If it is the same tortoise, however, it somehow traveled around 50 miles.
The person who reported the tortoise missing in Monmouth County could not be reached for comment Monday.
