This gopher tortoise was found encased in concrete, leading to an amazing rescue in Punta Gorda, Florida.
Peace River Wildlife Center on Facebook
A turtle “in concrete” was found wandering around Florida, and the predicament left rescuers at a loss as to how to reverse it.
It happened in Punta Gorda, about 100 miles south of Tampa, and photos show a thick layer of mortar stuck to the underside of a gopher tortoise.
“A home was under construction near where this gopher tortoise was found and we believe it must have walked through the freshly poured concrete,” the Peace River Wildlife Center posted on Facebook on Nov. 17.
The turtle was identified as a chick, about 6 months and was likely “going out on its own for the first time” when the crash occurred, the center said.
So, how do you get dried concrete out of a turtle?
“Tenderly chipping it away in a couple of days with our nails was the best method since this patient was so small and delicate,” the center explained.
“We were able to carefully remove the ‘shell’ from the concrete, and our friend was as good as new. After being well fed and hydrated, this gopher tortoise will return to the wild!”
It was recently released in “same general area” where he was found, the center said.
The gopher tortoise is native to all 67 Florida counties, but is listed as an endangered species due to “habitat destruction”. They can achieve up to 15 inches long and live 60 years, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The rescue center’s Facebook post received more than 1,000 reactions and comments, including people offering to take the turtle and release it into their home.
“Poor baby. …We are paving their house”, Bee Arthur posted on Facebook.
“I bet his removal was frowned upon” Richard Barker added.
