POLICE CAPTURE GIANT ESCAPED TORTOISE IN GEORGIA

A slow-moving escapee caused quite the stir in Hinesville, Georgia, after a very large tortoise made a surprise getaway from Bradwell Institute.

According to the Hinesville Police Department, the school’s resident tortoise somehow slipped out of its enclosure on Friday, March 6, and began a leisurely journey through the surrounding area. Despite its famously slow pace, the determined reptile managed to travel what police described as “a surprising distance” before nearby residents spotted the wandering animal and called 911.

D-Watch officers quickly responded to the unusual call. With help from residents—and a lot of muscle—the team managed to safely load the “very large, very determined and ridiculously heavy” tortoise and return it to its home at the school.

After the successful rescue, officers made sure the enclosure gate was securely fastened to prevent another escape attempt anytime soon.

Police joked that wrangling the hefty reptile turned into an “unexpected workout,” but they were happy to see the adventurous tortoise safely back where it belongs