http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/09/authoritiies_seize_four_giants.html



HIGHLANDS — Authorities are seizing four tortoises, including one weighing 500 pounds, from a Monmouth County home and are relocating them to a zoo.



The state Environmental Protection Department says animal cruelty charges are being pursued by the Monmouth County SPCA against the property owner in Highlands.



DEP spokesman Larry Ragonese says neighbors reported what they described as "crying" by the tortoises and were feeding them. The tortoises were being kept in the yard.



The reptiles are being taken to the Popcorn Park Zoo in Lacey.



Video: Four Aldabra tortoises removed from Highlands home and sent to zoo Video: Four Aldabra tortoises removed from Highlands home and sent to zoo After investigating a Highlands home that had four Aldabra tortoises, state wildlife officers removed the reptiles and had them moved to the Popcorn Zoo in Forked River. The owner of the tortoises said she's had them for years and may not have moved to New Jersey if they couldn't have them. (Video by Noah Murray/The Star-Ledger)



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Ragonese says besides the 500-pounder, there was a 200-pound tortoise and two 20-pounders. The reptiles are Aldabra tortoises, which are second in size only to the Galapagos tortoise. The owner apparently obtained the tortoises 15 years ago in California.

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