Pictures of Stolen Tortoises

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Neal

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Here are pictures of the tortoises that were stolen from us.

1 Indian star approx. 2 inches.

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1 Sri-Lanka Star, 2 inches. (Smaller one on the left)

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3 Leopard tortoises (Babcocki)

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The person who took them obviously had no idea what they were doing...unless they were trying to confuse me. The bigger star shown in the picture with the sri lankan was in the container right next to where they were taken from. But the bigger tortoise is still there, in with another bigger star. The pardalis were in the same room, and at eye level. They had to bend down to get these. They're still there. So I really don't think they in fact targeted the tortoises...if they did, my prized adults would be missing.

I do conduct business locally, but never out of my home. Ask Mick of ATC, we've met in the Home Depot parking lot a few times now, ha. In fact I have only had one "tortoise person" in my house, but I would not question their integrity for a second.

Anyway, the stolen tortoises are our "hold backs" and from our prized personal collection. Each one has a story. The first star pictured was from our first clutch, it was sold but returned to us. We were going to keep that one for future breeding stock.

Some of you might remember the issue I had with my sri lanka stars about a year ago. They almost died when my timer burned out unbeknownst to me. I nursed them back to full health, they are both pictured there, for sentimental reasons, I had hoped to keep both of them for their entire lives. He was also the smoothest sri lankan you have ever seen. This one sucks the most.

The first leopard tortoise was from a friend in Hawaii...I know he's not popular here, but he is my friend and this tortoise was basically gifted to me, and as such was special.

The last two were from our first egg laying season. We were holding them back for their remarkable shell coloration.

Now, I'm certain the people that took them will not give them a fraction of the care they were getting with us...this is most disturbing to me. I have notified all of my local petshops, I am watching all of the popular online sites that sell reptiles, including craigslist. I can only hope they will pop up somewhere, I would appreciate any effort of anyone here for keeping an eye out...but at this point, I am considering them gone.

Besides the tortoises, we did have a PS3 and Wii taken and our house was completely ransacked...

It's a sick feeling...to think someone went through our bedroom and threw around a bed, and went through all of our stuff. Lucky for them we have nothing of any value to anyone else besides the tortoises. It's been a difficult week for us...but I don't want to crap on an open forum. I'll just say this was the straw that broke the camels back in many ways. I appreciate your sympathies, I suppose there is a lot to be great-full for and I'm trying so hard to hold on to that...but our situation still sucks.
 

Yvonne G

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That sure sounds like kids to me. You did make a police report, yes? And maybe you can collect on the value of the articles stolen on your homeowners policy???
 

Tortoise

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So sorry to hear this-how sad. I hope they show up-good luck
 

Neal

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emysemys said:
That sure sounds like kids to me. You did make a police report, yes? And maybe you can collect on the value of the articles stolen on your homeowners policy???

Yeah, the shoe prints on the door could have only been size 10 max...if not kids than some smaller person.

Police report was filed, fingerprints taken. There was actually a lot of good items the forensics unit was able to collect. Chances are slim, so I don't hold out hope. We're renting the house, and just have renters insurance. We have a $500 deductible, on top of that we would lose our 15% - no claim discount, and we would be charged a 35% surcharge...I'm glad I am paying them a sh** every month...pft...bottom line, it's not worth it. The tortoises have more sentimental value than $ value for us.
 

Torty Mom

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OMG when did this happen? I am so sorry, that sucks bad. I agree you should file a police report, that is the only way they can track those things. Again, I know how heart broken you must be, I am so so sorry!
 

Laura

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hit the media, check craigs list, pet stores.. let them know if someone comes in selling torts to get their info and license plates...
wow... so sorry..
 

Tortoise

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Would you be able to prove that your torts are yours in the event they showed up?
I guess good photos do help-I sure hope they turn up soon?
Have you tried advertising locally to see if someone can return them as they are a specialist animal and perhaps they may now realise that they have taken more than they can handle??
Just wondering how we can get one step ahead of the thieves?
http://www.slowcoach.org.uk/care/fprint/fprint.html
Does anyone ever get their tortoises identified somehow.
It doesn't look like micro chipping is very safe for them
 

Neal

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Tortoise said:
Would you be able to prove that your torts are yours in the event they showed up?
I guess good photos do help-I sure hope they turn up soon?
Have you tried advertising locally to see if someone can return them as they are a specialist animal and perhaps they may now realise that they have taken more than they can handle??
Just wondering how we can get one step ahead of the thieves?
http://www.slowcoach.org.uk/care/fprint/fprint.html
Does anyone ever get their tortoises identified somehow.
It doesn't look like micro chipping is very safe for them

Other than a sh** load of pictures...I can't imagine what else I could do to ID these tortoises as mine. We only have about 5 pet stores that handle exotics, they have all been called with descriptions and my contact info. Indian stars are not tortoises that come in frequently...if ever. I don't think microchipping tortoises this small would be practical.

I am going to get up adds on fauna, turtletimes, and craigslist...not sure what else I could do. The tortoise community is small, I can only hope enough eyes see this post and maybe recall seeing these tortoises somewhere else. They are strong tortoises and will last long even in subpar conditions...still, I am in a race against the clock to get this info out to as many people as possible.
 

Tortoise

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Good Luck-you could offer a reward for info? Might motivate someone to talk if they are money motivated.
can you get an article in any local news papers etc with photos too?
I agree-get the info out quick and as far as you can.

Fingers crossed you will find these tortoises really soon.
 

l0velesly

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Wow.. that's really horrible. I cannot imagine what it's like to have your prized torts taken away. I wish things turn for the best! I really hope you get them back.
 

FADE2BLACK_1973

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Wow sooo sorry to hear that this happened to you all :(. There is not one thing that I hate most then a thief. I do hope you somehow get all those torts back in good health. And the police finds the thieves and the rest of your stuff.
 

Angi

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This is awful! It is a horrible feeling to have someone steal from you, but to have them take a living thing is unthinkable. What about posting an add for a lost tortoise with a reward. I bet they are not too bright and may decide to collect the reward and BAM up catch them.
 

Chicobeaks

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Neal,
I know how you feel. My house was broken into earlier this year and along with the electronics and jewelry that were taken, my 6 month old Leopard tortoise was taken as well. Everything else was replaceable, but my tortoise wasn't. They eventually caught the kid that broke into my house but he had already got rid of everything and I never found out what happened to the tortoise. I hope your story has a happier ending than mine did.
 

kimber_lee_314

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How awful! This is my worst nightmare! I will keep an eye out on craigslist and fauna in the so cal area for these guys ...
 

DeanS

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Are your torts visible from a perimeter wall? I'm wondering if it's someone in the neighborhood...maybe someone was casing your place and is planning a return visit! They had to know you were gone...no?
 

Momof4

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So sorry this has happened to you!! It's just sickining!!! How could we help you? I wonder if these scums are bragging on utube about their new finds. where are you located? Or maybe at a swatmeet or garage sale. Good luck!! Don't give up hope!!
Kathy
 

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This is terrible, can't imagine how you are feeling.
Not only losing your torts but also having your
private space violated.
Keeping fingers crossed that this turns out for
the good.
 

paschallraschalls

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So sorry for your loss! Hoping that you somehow get then back! We'll be keeping our eyes open on Craigslist for you :)
 

Isa

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O no, I am so sorry. I agree with the others that a reward or telling what happened to the news are good ideas. I hope that your tortoises will be found safe and sound and that the police will find who did this.
 
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