FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2003

 STAR TORTOISES STOLEN FROM ZOO

            Zoo officials are asking the public’s help in locating three juvenile Star Tortoises that were stolen from the Children’s Zoo on Saturday (November 29).

            Keeper staff found a hand-sized cut in the screen to the tortoise display.  The tortoises were hatched at the Honolulu Zoo in October 2002 and were about 2 to 3 inches in length.  They grow up to 10 inches in length and are found in India, Southeast Asia and Sumatra.  This species is not endangered, although they are protected in their native countries.  The tortoises are valued at $300 to $600 each.

            Honolulu Police are investigating the theft.  More information on Star Tortoises is available on the zoo website at http://www.honoluluzoo.org/star_tortoise.htm.

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