Critically endangered tortoise hydrated after being dumped at police station in backpack and checked at veterinary hospital

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

A critically endangered tortoise stolen from Perth zoo last week has been returned to its home after being dumped at a police station in a backpack.

The 10-year-old radiated tortoise was taken on Monday night or early Tuesday morning, with staff fearing for its safety as the creatures are often killed for their shells, which are turned into ornaments and sold on the black market.

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On Sunday, a Perth zoo spokeswoman said the animal had been dumped at Kensington police station overnight and returned to the zoo after being checked at Murdoch veterinary hospital.

“We’re ecstatic that it’s back,” she said. “It wasn’t in the best condition. It was covered in faeces so obviously whoever had it didn’t know how to care for it appropriately.”

She said the tortoise was being hydrated, given recent hot weather, and was otherwise in good health.

The spokeswoman said the facility’s security system would be reviewed.

“We did have two that were stolen a couple of years ago and we completely stepped up security within that area but unfortunately whoever took it managed to circumvent that security,” she said.

“So the tortoise won’t be on display until we’re 100 per cent happy with that area.”

It was highly unlikely the thieves would be caught, she said.

“For us, the focus wasn’t prosecution of the person – we just really wanted to get the animal back.”