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KMGH (Denver, Colorado) 29 March 11 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Searching For Stolen Tortoise - Zookeepers Believe Someone Snatched Butti From 'The Loft' Exhibit (Kim Nguyen)
Colorado Springs, Colo.: Zookeepers are searching for a tortoise they believe was stolen.
Butti, a 13-year-old Indian star tortoise, disappeared from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs on Sunday afternoon.
Staffers last saw Butti in his hands-on exhibit known as The Loft around 4:30 p.m. When Butti’s keeper went back to check on him 15 minutes later, he was missing.
Staffers frantically scoured The Loft and swept the zoo, but couldn't find him.
Staffers reported that there were several people in The Loft shortly before Butti disappeared, the zoo said. The Loft is a place where guests can see animals and reptiles like Butti up close and even touch them under staff supervision.
"Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's mission is to provide up close experiences and make animals accessible to the public. It's a shame someone took advantage of that. We've never had something like this happen before, and we certainly don't want to penalize guests who respect the boundaries because of one bad seed," said zoo spokeswoman Katie Borremans.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is concerned for Butti’s welfare, because the tortoise needs special care and dietary needs. If he isn't kept at the proper temperature and isn't fed the right vegetables, he could suffer from significant health problems, the zoo said.
"This type of tortoise is not uncommon in the pet trade. We think someone probably thought the tortoise looked interesting and is planning to keep him as a pet, but we're worried Butti won’t receive proper care," Borremans said in a news release.
Butti is around the size of a grapefruit. He's about 6 inches long and weighs a little over a pound. He has a unique shell with a bumpy star pattern.
Butti and his brother, Tutti, are guest favorites at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. They have been together their whole lives and are frequently seen following each other around their exhibit.
The zoo said no charges will be filed if he is returned safely.
The Loft has seen more than one million visitors since it opened in 2008, and has never had an animal stolen.
If you've seen Butti, call 719-633-9925, ext. 140 with any information.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Searching For Stolen Tortoise

Please post a pic, You need security cameras, I sell them.
Ill give you a deal.
Hate to see this happen

Sam@SecurityCameraWorld.com

I check everyones pockets when their leaving my house! A camera just lets you no after the fact! Use a bigger tortoise! Carry this guy down some staires without being noticed! LOL VM

Actually, being in the security camera business for many years you wouldn't believe how many thieves have been caught after the theft. Many crimes have been solved, products and animals returned when the thieves were identified.

Don’t forget many thefts are inside jobs and most thefts are by people who know you by some means. Example: The neighbor's friend, the kids across the street, or an old customer.

There are also a lot of other applications cameras can provide.
I use them on my farm to monitor activity and feeding habits of the animals.

As most of us have experienced there are a lot of unusual things that can happen in an outdoor enclosure or pen.
Being able to go back a week or a month ago can give you a lot of insight into what is going on when you or the curators weren’t looking.

Not to mention it is always very comforting to be able to bring up my entire collection on my phone and see that everything is alright.

Sam

www.FloridaIguana.com

Sam@securityCameraWorld.com

I know, I was just kid'in around! My problem solver for would be thief's is a 90lb. Bloodhound. and being home 90%+ of the time. But if your ever in St.Aug Fl.come on by and give me the sales pitch and will walk around my little Thailand rainforest. Vic

Sorry I didn’t mean it to sound like I was coming down on you,
I have followed a lot of your post, I think you’re very insightful and provide a great service to many people on the forms.
I respect your work.

I would love to come and walk around your rain forest.

Sam Pascucci