Two critically endangered tortoises stolen from the Indianapolis Zoo earlier this month have been found safe, authorities reported on Tuesday. The tortoises were discovered in a cardboard box at Falls Park in Pendleton, Indiana, approximately 37 miles from the zoo.

Pendleton police received a call around 4 p.m. from park visitors who found the box while walking near the park's museum. The box had a paper plate on top with a note that referenced the Indianapolis Zoo. Upon arrival, police collected the tortoises and confirmed their identities through microchip scans.

One of the tortoises is an Egyptian tortoise, a species that is critically endangered due to threats from the illegal pet trade. The other is a Northern Spider tortoise, which is native to Madagascar and also faces similar dangers from poaching and habitat loss.

The tortoises were reported missing between 10 a.m. on October 11 and 10 a.m. on October 12. Both species are microchipped and considered critically endangered, according to state police. The Indianapolis Zoo noted that the Egyptian tortoise typically grows to about 4 inches long and weighs around 1 pound, while the Northern Spider tortoise can reach up to 5 inches in length and also weighs about 1 pound.

The investigation into the theft is ongoing, with multiple agencies, including the FBI and the USDA Office of Inspector General, assisting local authorities. Police have not released further details regarding the case at this time.