WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — A Russian tortoise that’s entertained families for years at a nature center is missing and may have been stolen.
Cool Creek Park and Nature Center, operated by Hamilton County Parks & Recreation, is asking for help to find Sputnik. The center reported the reptile missing in a Wednesday afternoon Facebook post.
“The most probable scenario is that he was stolen from his tank over the weekend during business hours,” the post said.
The tortoise is about 8 inches long and about 4 inches in width.
A local family years ago gave Sputnik to the nature center, which features “educational animals.” Sputnik was the name given to Russian satellites first launched in 1957.
“He was healthy and happy with the other educational animals of the Cool Creek Nature Center. He was well taken care of by our staff, receiving well-researched and prepared vegetables daily, regular tank cleaning, access to sunlight, proper UV lights, and vet care,” the post said.
The nature center is at 2000 E. 151st St., just west of U.S. 31.
