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Two Endangered Tortoises Stolen from Indianapolis Zoo Found

Incident Date:
10/27/2025
Location:
Indianapolis, IN - USA
Facility Name:
Indianapolis Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Legal/illegal issue (LI)
Species:
Reptiles
Animal:
Tortoise
Animal disposition:
Recaptured

Summary:

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Officials from the Indianapolis Zoo have confirmed the two tortoises that were reported stolen earlier this month have been found. The Indiana State Police, who were leading the investigation into the missing tortoises, said the tortoises were found safe and uninjured Tuesday afternoon in Falls Park, which is located in the Madison County city of Pendleton.

According to the Pendleton Police Department, the office received a call around 4 p.m. from a park visitor who came across an unattended cardboard box behind the park’s museum near the falls. Officials said the box reportedly had a paper plate with a note referencing the Indianapolis Zoo. The visitors found the tortoises inside the box.

Zoo personnel confirmed these were the missing tortoises by scanning their microchips. This incident remains under investigation.

Action take by Born Free USA:

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