Rare tortoises taken from Indy Zoo found safe

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) - Two rare tortoises that were reported as taken from the Indianapolis Zoo have been found safe.

Indiana State Police investigators say they were discovered in a cardboard box in a Madison County Park. That's in Pendleton, Indiana, about 40 miles from Indianapolis.

Microchip scans later confirmed they were the missing animals. Authorities have speculated whoever took them may have wanted them as pets, but the worst fear was that those responsible may have known the rarity of the tortoises and might have attempted to sell them on the black market.

The case remains under investigation.