Cops have found the beloved reptile stolen from a Douglaston environmental center last week in good condition, police announced on July 25.
The 111th Precinct Detective Squad was able to pinpoint “Millennium,” a African spurred tortoise who was swiped from an enclosure at the Alley Pond Environmental Center on Northern Boulevard last week, authorities confirmed. There have been no arrests.
The dearly loved reptile, who is 17 and a half years old, was reported missing on July 17 at around 4 p.m. by an employee at the center, who then contacted police.
Venus Hall, an education coordinator at the center, said that staff picked up the animal from the 111th Precinct this afternoon and were able to confirm that the found tortoise, who was discovered in Connecticut, was indeed Millennium. Hall said the center’s veterinarian will be coming by to take a look at him.
“We are really glad that he is back,” Hall said. “He appears to be well.”
Shortly after Millennium was reported missing, animal rights organization PETA put up an offer of up to $5,000 “for information leading to [Millennium’s] safe return as well as the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who abducted him.”
Deputy Inspector William A. McBride, commanding officer of the 111th Precinct, took to Twitter to commend the Detective Squad for their work.
Missing tortoise found. Great police work done by 111 precinct detective squad. @NYPDQueensNorth @NYPDDetectives @NYPDCommAffairs pic.twitter.com/p3Nwxat1sV
— NYPD 111th Precinct (@NYPD111Pct) July 25, 2017
