A missing tortoise that vanished more than three years ago was reunited with her family.

It all started when police spotted ‘an unusual-looking tortoise’ crawling across the highway. The officers picked up the tortoise and with the help of professionals identified her as an African Sulcata. An endangered species native to the Sahara Desert. They are well-known as escape artists that can dig out of their enclosures.

Image: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office

In a Facebook post, the officers said the tortoise was very friendly. “He is definitely someone’s tortoise as he likes people and head pats. Also, we have no idea what gender the tortoise is as we did not ask to look up his shell. So if it is yours, that might be a question.” They also warned that the tortoise would be turned over to Florida’s Animal Rescue if not claimed.

Fortunately, the post was shared hundreds of times and reached a friend of the tortoise’s owner. She vanished after escaping from an enclosure in the front yard of her home in April 2020. There were occasional sightings  in the following weeks, but she always managed to escape. She was finally recovered on Saturday just eight kilometres from her home.

Image: Florida’s Wildest Animal Rescue

Florida’s Wildest Animal Rescue said the tortoise is a bit of a rough shape from enduring so many cold winters. “But she will be okay, and we recommended a trip to the vet. What a happy ending! We are so happy we were able to assist in reuniting her with her family!”

Listen t0 Bec and Asa’s chat below!