Woman seeks 52-pound runaway tortoise

WEST CHESTER, Pa., June 2 (UPI) -- A Pennsylvania woman said she is desperately searching for her runaway pet -- a 52-pound, 2-foot-long African sulcata tortoise.

Simmer Dougherty, 48, whose pets and rescue animals include a lamb, a miniature horse, dogs, goats, chicks and ducks, said Nala the tortoise escaped from her yard Tuesday after the gate was left slightly ajar following a duck food delivery at her Chester County home, the Philadelphia Enquirer reported Tuesday.

Dougherty said Nala, who is estimated to be between 5 and 15-years-old, can cover a lot of ground when she feels the need. She said the tortoise traveled three miles in the single day during an escape two years ago.

"She's really fast this time of year," Dougherty said.

"I am devastated that this turtle is gone, and I feel responsible and I feel heart-broken," she said. "It's just terrible, and I want to make sure she's safe. People out here eat snapping turtles, so I'm concerned someone will find her and make dinner."

Dougherty said she also fears someone finding Nala and placing her in a river or a stream.

"It would kill her," Doughtery said. "She can't swim."