The Great Escape —Turtle Found 5 Miles Away From Home After Going Missing For 3 Years

1.7 miles per year!

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• September 28, 2024

Stories about animal escapes often involve daring runs through bustling streets or quick dashes from wildlife enclosures. However, one remarkable tortoise took a much slower yet determined approach to freedom.

In 2020, a 60-pound African tortoise embarked on an extraordinary journey, leaving its home and family behind in search of something unknown. Unlike most animal escapees, this slow-moving reptile managed to evade capture for over three years before it was finally discovered crossing a busy highway in Florida.

Tortoises, known for their patience and resilience, are not commonly considered long-distance travelers. But this one, after being on the run for three and a half years, was found in October 2023 by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

They spotted the tortoise leisurely attempting to cross State Road 20 in Interlachen, Florida, around 60 miles southwest of Jacksonville (Putnam County Sheriff’s Office). This wasn't just any tortoise, though. It quickly became apparent that this particular wanderer was fond of humans and enjoyed a friendly head pat. This personality trait and its unique story made it a memorable encounter for everyone involved.

After its capture, the tortoise was safely handed over to Florida’s Wildest Animal Refuge. This sanctuary is home to various rescued wildlife, and the team there was thrilled to help (Florida's Wildest Animal Rescue). Despite being a species native to the desert regions of Africa, this adventurous tortoise survived several cold winters in North Florida.

African tortoises, which typically inhabit the southern edge of the Sahara desert, are more accustomed to warm, dry climates. The fact that this tortoise could thrive in such different conditions speaks to its toughness and adaptability.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office took action on October 21st.

It was clear from the start that this tortoise was unlike any other.

This tortoise's journey is even more surprising because it is close to home. Despite its multi-year adventure, the tortoise was found only five miles from where it had escaped in 2020.

The reunion with its family, which occurred shortly after its capture, was heartwarming. The tortoise’s owners had been searching for their beloved pet since its escape, never giving up hope.

They even posted about its disappearance on social media in 2020, asking for help finding it. Their dedication paid off as the sheriff's office post went viral and reached someone who remembered the tortoise's original escape story.

If the family hadn’t been found, the animal refuge was prepared to offer the adventurous tortoise a forever home, ensuring its safety and well-being.

This one liked being around people and surprisingly enjoyed a good head pat.

African tortoises like this one are gentle giants, capable of living up to 150 years and growing to an impressive 230 pounds. They primarily feed on weeds, grasses, and flowers, making Florida’s abundant greenery a paradise.

It's pretty remarkable to see just how far the tortoise got—or rather, how far it didn’t.

Moving at a leisurely 1.6 miles per year was taking the long way around.

The owner posted about the tortoise's escape on social media in 2020, noting it had been part of the family since it hatched.

“We haven’t given up looking.”

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This tortoise’s story is more than just a quirky tale of escape. It’s about persistence, survival, and a bit of mystery. It roamed for over three years, managing to live through conditions far from its native desert habitat.

The fact that it stayed relatively close to home yet remained hidden adds an almost ironic twist to its adventure. It wasn’t about reaching a far-off destination but the journey itself.

The reunion with its family, sparked by community effort and online connections, shows how the ties we form with animals can endure even in the most unusual circumstances.

Damjan