RUNAWAY TORTOISE CAUGHT!
A TORTOISE named after George Clooney has been caught three days after making a daring “run” for it towards local shops.
The runaway reptile, named after the film star due to his “handsome” looks, has been reunited with his owner after being found a five-minute walk from his home.
Officers from animal charity RSPCA Cymru were alerted after the spur-thighed (Testudo graeca) tortoise was found strolling up a pathway.
He had escaped after sneaking through the soft part of a fence panel in the garden of the Bridgend home of his owner, Karen.
The 12-year-old tortoise was missing for three days, and was found about a short walk away – for a human – from his home. George was confined to a box, before being collected by an RSPCA officer and taken to the International Tortoise Association in Sully. Fortunately, the owner of the adventurous pet contacted the RSPCA having seen a message on Facebook about the missing tortoise, and the duo were soon reunited. Julie Fadden, RSPCA inspector, said: “It must have come as some surprise to the member of the public who stumbled upon a curious tortoise heading towards the local Brackla shops. “We collected the tortoise and took him to our friends at the International Tortoise Association and fortunately the owner was soon in touch to be reunited.
“It’s always nice to be involved in a happy ending – and thankfully runaway George is back with his owner after his mischievous breakout.”
Karen, who owns George and one other tortoise called Beanie, said: “I’ve been losing sleep with worry and I’m just so grateful to everyone who helped George – including the member of the public who found him, the RSPCA and the International Tortoise Association.
“I’ve owned George his whole life – and I’m just relieved and happy to have him home.
“He was missing for three days, and had ventured about a five-minute walk away from our home – but with a former river-bed of overgrown brambles so near to the back of our home, thankfully he has come to no harm.”
Karen explained that George got his moniker from two very different stars. Firstly, he was named in homage to “gorgeous Lonesome George, the giant tortoise from the Galapagos Islands that died not so long ago – and was the last of his species”.
She added: “He’s also named after George Clooney as he is a handsome tortoise.”