My Account
The Ti Point Reptile Park is celebrating the return of its large 18-year-old leopard tortoise and an iguana, which were stolen on March 19.
Police said a Northland mother called the reptile park after someone gave her daughter a tortoise for her birthday. The woman was reluctant to say who had made the gift.
Police were called and worked with Department of Conservation for the handover of the tortoise in Kaitaia’s main street. The tortoise then made the nearly-300km journey home.
Warkworth’s Sgt Dan McDermott says police are investigating how the tortoise came to be in Kaitaia.
The tortoise has been at the park since he was around two, and the iguana was hatched there. Police are still interested in hearing from anyone who has information that can help them find those responsible for the theft. Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The reference file number is 240320/8108.
