Overview
- The zoo said in social media posts that both microchipped tortoises were located safe and that state police will share more information soon.
- The reptiles—a tiny Egyptian tortoise and a Northern spider tortoise—were taken from the zoo’s desert exhibit sometime between the mornings of Oct. 11 and Oct. 12.
- Zoo staff discovered the animals missing on Oct. 12 but did not notify Indiana State Police until Oct. 23, with a public appeal issued on Oct. 27.
- Indiana State Police noted the exhibit’s design made it easy for someone to reach in and grab the palm‑sized tortoises.
- Both species are classified as critically endangered, and authorities previously urged anyone with information to contact Capitol Police or Crime Stoppers.