African Tortoise Missing For Years Rescued In Florida: See How Far She Got

A Floridian's pet tortoise that disappeared over three years ago has finally been recovered, and authorities couldn't believe how far she was from home. Deputies with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office found an "unusual looking" tortoise trying to cross State Road 20 in Interlachen on Friday (October 21), according to a Facebook post.

Authorities learned the wayward reptile is actually an African Sulcata, which is native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. Florida's Wildest Animal Refuge took the tortoise into their care since they're known to dig out of their enclosures.

Two days later, the owner of the female African Sulcata actually reached out to Animal Refuge. It turns out this tortoise is the same one that went missing in April 2020 from the owner's home.

"After the post was shared hundreds of times, one of our followers sent us a post from April 2020 of a sulcata tortoise that looked similar, that went missing from the same area!" the organization wrote. "I was able to compare photos I took to the original post, and It turns out it was the same tortoise!"

What's even wilder is that the tortoise was found only five miles away from where she originally escaped.

"This really was an escape artist," deputies joked in their update about the tortoise.

As for her condition, she may need some medical attention after braving three winters with no heat.

"She is in a little bit of rough shape from spending so many cold winters here without heat, but she will be okay, and we recommended a trip to the vet," the Animla Refuge wrote. "What a happy ending! We are so happy we were able to assist in reuniting her with her family!"