KENILWORTH WEEKLY NEWS (UK) 12 September 08 Desperate search for Eliza and Amber the adventurous tortoises
The cautionary tale of the tortoise and the hare is ringing some bells in Kenilworth.
When a garden gate flew open in high winds in Frythe Close, the Slater family tortoises Amber and Eliza saw the opportunity for adventure - and legged it, quicker than you might expect.
Now mum and daughter, Fiona and Natasha Slater, are appealing for help to find their two pet tortoises before the winter weather claims their lives.
They are desperate to find them and are hoping residents will help in the search.
Mrs Slater said: “They went missing on Wednesday last week, (September 3), when the wind blew open our back gate. We are desperate for information as to their whereabouts.
“Contrary to popular belief, tortoises can move very fast and are great climbers so, if they can, they will.”
She added: “However, they need warmth to be able to process their food intake and, obviously, as the weather has been so awful and they are so young, at around six-years-old, we are concerned they will starve to death if not found.
“They tend to stay near fences and under trees or sheds to try to keep warm when the weather is bad but they are not yet ready for winter hibernation.
“They are normally hibernated in a specially adapted fridge during the winter so that the temperature is properly controlled, otherwise they risk death in this country if there is a prolonged frost.
“Ours have a special heat lamp during the day as they are still very young - one is particularly small for his age - and we are desperate to get them back.
“They were a present to Natasha Slater, my daughter, when she was younger and so she is very upset that they have gone missing.
“We have put notes through doors of neighbours but as we back on to rough land and a footpath leading to Kenilworth golf club we are asking golfers, walkers and anybody using this area to also keep a look out.”
She added: “They are possibly still in the area of Frythe Close, at the bottom of Knowle Hill near the junction of Common Lane and Albion Street. They may well be sheltering under a shed or in a corner somewhere as the weather is so awful.
“It’s too early for safe hibernation as they are too small to last all winter if they go into hibernation due to their smaller body weight.
“However, as it’s so cold, they will starve to death if not found. I really can’t believe we have lost both of them as we have looked after them so well.”
Anyone who may have spotted the tortoises or might be able to help Mrs Slater and her daughter with their search is asked to contact the Weekly News office on 855061 or email editorial@kenilworthweeklynews.co.uk.
Desperate search for Eliza and Amber the adventurous tortoises