Turtle Missing from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo Recovered
August 23, 2018
August 23, 2018 – One of the four animals taken from the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo in May has been recovered. The Florida box turtle, named David Beckham, was found by two individuals driving in northwest Gainesville. They went to move the turtle off the road when they noticed the turtle had holes on the underside of its shell. They contacted the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo, and it was determined that it was one of the missing animals.
The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo had a total of 11 animals taken from the facility in late May. Seven of the animals were recovered within a week, but four animals – two box turtles and two gopher tortoises remained missing. An investigation led to the arrest of three suspects on charges including burglary, grand theft and dealing in stolen merchandise.
The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Police Department is still investigating the whereabouts of the last three missing animals. Any information about the animals can be reported to the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»PD at 352-395-5519. The animals can also be returned to the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo, no questions asked.
