Tortoise on the Loose – What to Do?

When a tortoise escapes, it’s one of the most frightening situations a pet owner can face. These calm, slow creatures can surprisingly be quick and difficult to find once they leave their safe space.

Immediate Actions: What to Do First

1. Stay Calm and Search the Area: Even though it’s difficult, staying as calm as possible and systematically searching the area is essential. Start with a thorough walk-through of the immediate surroundings. Tortoises tend to hide in shaded, protected spots, so check under bushes, in tall grass, behind rocks, and in dark corners of your garden. If you don't find the tortoise right away, gradually expand your search radius.
2. Involve Neighbors and Passersby: Tortoises can cover more ground than you’d think but are often still nearby. Visit your neighbors and inform them about your missing tortoise. Ask them to check their basements, garages, or garden sheds, as the tortoise may have accidentally been locked inside. Spreading the word increases the chances that someone will spot your pet and notify you.

Getting Help: Involving Institutions

1. Contact Animal Welfare Organizations and Shelters: Immediately report your missing tortoise to the local animal welfare organization and shelters within a 50-kilometer radius. Many people who find a lost pet contact these places first. Provide a detailed description of your tortoise and where it was last seen so they can alert you if your pet is brought in.
2. Notify the Police and Lost and Found Office: Inform the police and the local lost and found office about your missing tortoise. These are key contact points for people who find lost pets. By registering your tortoise with them, you ensure you'll be notified if it's found.
3. Register Online with Tasso and Findefix: Platforms like tasso.net and findefix.com are excellent for registering your missing tortoise and spreading the search nationwide. These networks are dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their owners and have helped many people find their beloved animals.
4. Put Up Missing Posters: Create missing posters with a clear photo of your tortoise and a detailed description. Post these in busy areas such as supermarkets, bus stops, or around your neighborhood. Include a phone number where you can be easily reached.
5. Use Social Media and Online Platforms: Social media is a powerful tool for reaching many people quickly. Post a search notice on Facebook, Instagram, and local groups. Platforms like eBay Kleinanzeigen are also useful for spreading the word about your missing tortoise. The more people know, the better your chances of finding your pet.
6. Offer a Reward: Offering a reward can motivate people in your area to actively search for your tortoise. Mention the reward on your missing posters and online posts to increase attention.

Prevention: How to Avoid Escapes

1. Escape-proof enclosure:
   The best protection against an escape is a stable and escape-proof enclosure. Ensure there are no gaps in the fence and that the walls are high enough to prevent climbing. Additionally, the enclosure should be dug deep enough into the ground to stop your tortoise from digging underneath it. From personal experience, I’ve learned that no wall is ever high enough. It can also be helpful to cover the enclosure or greenhouse with a sturdy net or grid to prevent escapes from above.
2. Using a GPS tracker:
   For particularly adventurous tortoises, a small GPS tracker, like an Apple AirTag or similar device, can be a useful solution. However, it’s important to remember that a tortoise’s shell isn’t just an outer shell—it’s a living part of the animal with nerves and blood vessels, making it sensitive. Therefore, the tracker should be attached in a way that doesn’t impair the tortoise’s movement or cause discomfort. Lightweight, temporary attachments that don’t press tightly against the shell and can be easily removed are recommended. This allows you to track the tortoise’s location without disturbing or harming it.
3. Regular monitoring:
   In addition to visually checking on your tortoise, surveillance cameras can be a great tool for keeping an eye on them, especially in larger outdoor enclosures or hard-to-see areas. Motion-activated cameras can be installed to monitor the tortoise’s activity and can send alerts if it approaches the edge of the enclosure or becomes unusually active. During the summer months, when tortoises are more likely to be outdoors, regular checks and the use of cameras help detect escape attempts early and allow for immediate action to prevent them from wandering too far.

Conclusion: Patience, Systematic Action, and the Right Measures Are Key

When I realized yesterday that one of my pancake tortoises had escaped, I struggled to stay calm. But in moments like these, it’s important to keep a cool head and proceed step by step. As hard as it is, staying calm is crucial for a successful search. Use all available resources—from local neighborhood help to online platforms—to find your tortoise. The good news is that tortoises usually don’t get far and are often found nearby. However, the best prevention is ensuring that the enclosure is completely escape-proof. And if an escape does happen, it’s reassuring to know there are many ways to bring your pet back home.

Do you have more ideas or suggestions? Feel free to leave a comment. I’ll be happy to update the article.