liwei

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2017
Messages
16
Location (City and/or State)
michigan
Hi, it's been a while since I've posted on this forum but recently my 4-year-old leopard tortoise escaped from his outdoor enclosure. He was last seen by a neighbor in their yard yesterday afternoon when he initially escaped but I have not been able to locate him since that appearance. My biggest concern right now is that went into the very heavily wooded area behind my house which roughly spans around an acre size. I've searched and flipped through his entire enclosure to no avail and now am, unfortunately, quite positive he went into the woods. I've searched with my family all throughout yesterday and this morning, posted flyers in the neighborhood, personally spoke with nearby neighbors, called local vets and even the police station, as well as made an announcement/post on nextdoor app. I'm really at my wits end on how to find him...

I'm continuing my search with some people today but would really appreciate any advice or suggestions on finding him. I've also been trying to leave out some mazuri for him as bait but i'm not sure how effective that'll be.
 

wellington

Well-Known Member
Moderator
10 Year Member!
Tortoise Club
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
49,658
Location (City and/or State)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Look for him early in the morning when the sun first comes out. He will want to bask.
During the hottest part of the day he will be hidden in the shade under bushes etc
In the evening when the sun starts to set he will be out again eating.
So morning and evening look for him being out. Hottest part of the day look under everything.
Don't stop looking. Even months later they have been found.
Sounds like everything else has been covered
Good luck
 

jwr0201

Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2021
Messages
53
Location (City and/or State)
Sarasota, FL
Curious - how far did your Leopard go in the few days he/she was missing?
Did you figure out how he escaped?
BTW - Great to hear you found your buddy!
 

liwei

Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2017
Messages
16
Location (City and/or State)
michigan
Curious - how far did your Leopard go in the few days he/she was missing?
Did you figure out how he escaped?
BTW - Great to hear you found your buddy!
He was gone for approximately a day and a half and I'm honestly baffled with how far he went within that amount of time. The neighbor that spotted him in their yard lives on the other side of the neighborhood (Less than 1/4 mile) but the strangest part was that he was spotted coming from the opposite direction of my house.

In regard to how he escaped, one of the latches on the door wasn't secured so I'm assuming with brute strength, he was able to push through the door. that said, definitely, a wake-up call to reinforce the entire perimeter of the enclosure as he definitely surprised me with his athletic ability lol.
 
Top