Critically endangered tortoises stolen from Indianapolis Zoo

Indiana State Police have launched a search for a pair of critically endangered tortoises that were stolen from the Indianapolis Zoo in recent days.

The tortoises were reportedly stolen from the zoo on October 11 or 12, according to authorities.

One is an Egyptian tortoise, otherwise known as a Kleinmann’s tortoise, according to the Maryland Zoo. Police say the tortoise has a prominent scar on its underside.

The species is native to northern Africa, and according to experts, the tortoise is facing extinction largely because it’s targeted in the illegal pet trade.

The other tortoise is a Northern Spider tortoise, native to Madagascar. The species is also coveted by illegal pet traders, according to the National Zoo.

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