The Egyptian and Northern Spider tortoises taken from the Indianapolis Zoo earlier this month, were found safe and uninjured this afternoon in Falls Park, which is located in the Madison County city of Pendleton.
According to the Pendleton Police Department, about 4:00 p.m., they received a call from park visitors who, while walking on a sidewalk behind the park’s museum, near the falls, came across an unattended cardboard box.
The box was said to have had a paper plate on top with a note referencing the Indianapolis Zoo. Inside, the visitors found the two tortoises and immediately called police, who arrived within minutes and took custody of them.
The tortoises were later positively identified as the two reported stolen after having their microchips scanned by zoo personnel.
Currently, this incident remains under investigation and there is no additional information to release publicly.
Assisting the Capitol Police in the recovery and subsequent on-going investigation are the Pendleton Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General and the Indianapolis Zoo.
Countrymark fueling stations hosting Fueling Freedom on Friday
Step right up! Big Top Circus presented by Bee Window returns to the Indiana State Fair
Congressman Baird ioins President Trump for Medal of Honor ceremony for Major Nicholas Dockery
INDOT with chip seal operations on area roads
Conservation officer serving Vermillion Co. completes advanced public safety diving instructor training
May unemployment rate in state still below national average
IDEM recycling grants available
Identity released in fatal U.S. 36 crash
Indiana Gov. Braun declares state of disaster emergency for 63 Indiana counties
Longtime educator tabbed to lead new Montezuma Elementary
Gov. Braun unveils Indiana’s exhibit for the National Mall during The Great American State Fair
Nominations now open for farmers and ranchers to serve on USDA Farm Service Agency county committees
CBP officers in Indianapolis seize counterfeit FIFA World Cup 2026 merchandise
Former Cloverdale coach lands back in coaching
Three pulled safely from submerged car
