It was portable. I do have seven kids and the ones who are old enough have been looking with me. Two of them are too young to really look but the rest were out with me before they had to go to school. They have still been looking after school when their homework is finished. I realize now, too late, that I should have had it secured to the ground. It is a dog kennel cage, but the details on the cage said it was good for all critters,guinea pigs, rabbits, etc. I usually was out there with them but this time I had a sick one year old who was really fussy, has a cold, and did not want to be outside. I went back out a little over an hour later but it was too late. There is a creek behind our backyard and a huge empty field beyond the creek. The creek is dried up right now but will likely fill up in February through May. There are a lot of trees, vines and tall grass beyond the gate. I don't know if they went back there but they might have. I have been outside most of the day, cutting more grass with scissors. If you and any of you who read this, is a person of faith, please pray that I will have a miracle and find my tortoises. I love them, as all of you love yours, and it is breaking my heart knowing that as everyday that passes the tortoises have less chance of being found.