Cumbria Tortoise Found Safe Nine Months After Disappearance

A tortoise who went missing from his home in Cumbria nine months ago has been reunited with his owners after being found a mile away.

Leonardo, a pet tortoise from Ulverston, disappeared from his garden last July, prompting fears he would not survive the winter.
However, after a social media appeal, a dog walker recently spotted Leonardo wandering along a street and took him to Little Beasties Ulverston pet shop.

The pet shop confirmed they successfully located his owners, who were delighted and relieved to have him back.

Owner Rachel Etches explained that Leonardo’s disappearance came shortly after the family welcomed their second child, causing a momentary distraction in the garden.
She said: “He’s lived a very comfortable life indoors under a heat lamp for 13 years, so we didn’t think he would survive outside through winter.”

Leonardo, described as a naturally adventurous tortoise, is believed to have entered hibernation during the colder months before continuing his slow journey when the weather improved.
It is estimated he travelled about six metres a day during his time away.