In DeLand, Florida, rescuers found a gopher tortoise sprayed with foam insulation over its head, face and neck. The tortoise was brought to the Marine Science Center in Volusia County where it was treated and cleaned up.
The tortoise has since been released back into the wild after recovering. According to the wildlife experts, the outcome for the tortoise was “fortunate” stating that other cases involving this kind of situation often leads to irreparable harm or death. Staff members spent several days removing the foam and monitoring its health before deciding to release it.
Without human intervention, the tortoise would not have been able to eat.
Witnesses described two teenagers seen spraying the tortoise. The disturbing act appeared intentional. The gopher tortoise, a protected species in Florida, plays an important ecological role by digging burrows used by hundreds of other animals. The tortoise was found on Glenwood Hammock Road in distress.
The Florida Wildlife Commission is investigating as a possible case of animal cruelty.
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