I have just received this very sad email from Tortoise Garden in Cornwall. This happened today 14.6.09.
Please pass round to all tortoise owners
I am very distressed, one of my “visitors” managed to somehow get into my baby pen and stole them all!!
I lost six beautiful baby hermanns and one 8 week old leopard and I am desperate for them to come home. Maybe you can alert tortoise owners and tell them to be vigilant if they hear of any tortoises for sale or newly acquired??? The leopard is very distinctive because his little tail points upwards instead of down so he is easily identifiable. I have photo’s of them. The man had to open a padlock, open a gate and then shut it behind him to get into the pen and reverse the procedure to come out and despite other visitors strolling around, no one saw him go into the pen.
The police are involved.
My thoughts are with the staff at Tortoise Garden.
Wendy