Tortoises are slow, but that doesn’t keep them from getting into unfortunate situations. One living in Westminster, U.K. recently found its way inside a trash bag and, ultimately, into a garbage truck.
Tortoises are slow, but that doesn’t keep them from getting into unfortunate situations.
One living in Westminster, U.K. recently found its way inside a trash bag and, ultimately, into a garbage truck.
Sarah Joiner, the owner of the 90-year-old, hard-shelled pet named Zuma, was beside herself with worry and called the city council for help.
Staff immediately stepped in, tracking the location of the truck likely carrying the much-loved tortoise.
Joiner rushed to the waste center, and, with the help of city workers, sorted through the roughly 1,000 bags in the truck’s bin using thermal imaging camera.
The search went on for roughly two and a half hours, but every messy moment was worth it as Zuma was found completely unharmed.
Cllr Melvyn Caplan, a city cabinet member, said, “This example of going above and beyond what is required is one Westminster can be proud of, and I commend our staff and colleagues…for pulling out the stops to ensure a successful reunion between Zuma and Sarah.”
