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Have You Seen This Turtle?

DAVIE (CBSMiami) – Who in the world would steal two turtles from a South Florida tourist attraction? That's what Davie police want to know after the theft of two box turtles from Flamingo Gardens.

Police are looking for two teenagers who may be involved in the disappearance of "Zippy" and "Florida."

Flamingo Gardens employee Laura Wyatt filed a disturbance report on May 5th after two boys, about 15-16 years old, were spotted picking up the turtles and cursing at other patrons. The two boys were removed from the park but as they left, they threatened to come back and harm the animals.

An employee checked all of the exhibits at 11:30 p.m. that night and everything seemed fine but the next day, the turtles were missing.

"Zippy" is an orange and brown colored Eastern box turtle with a cracked belly. He's being treated for the injury and could die if not handled properly.

Florida_Box_Turtle
This is a Florida box turtle, similar to the one stolen from Flamingo Gardens in Davie on May 6, 2012. (Source: Flamingo Gardens)

The other turtle is a Florida box turtle owned by the State of Florida and cared for by Flamingo Gardens. This turtle is illegal to possess without a permit.

Both turtles are males and are a half-foot to one foot in length.

Police said the suspect or suspects likely climbed the chain-link fence to enter the property.

It's not known if the two teens involved in the disturbance are involved in the theft but police would like to identify them and question them.

The teens are white, about 15 to 16 years old. One boy was wearing a brown shirt and white/navy blue basketball shorts and had brown or black hair. The other teen had a shaved head and was wearing a Miami Heat Shaquille O'Neal jersey.

Anyone with information concerning the theft of these two turtles can contact Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS or Det. Sgt. Jamie Horvitz at (954) 693-8277.

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