Missing tortoise reunited with family after Missouri search

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Missouri Sulcata Tortoise Reunited with Family After Nine-Day Adventure

After a nine-day runaway spree, a 50-pound Missouri sulcata tortoise named Liam is finally back home, bringing relief to her shell-shocked loved ones and community. Liam, who is 13 years old, managed to travel 1.8 miles through creeks, construction, and jungle before being nabbed in a nearby development, according to a post by Liz Wheelihan Friese on Facebook.

Liam the tortoise in shallow water with two pink hibiscus flowers. — Liam in her “tort court.” – Facebook/Liam the Missing Tortoise – Basehor / Leavenworth County

Liam was reportedly happy to be back home on June 3. After her long journey, she got a bath, enjoyed a giant head of lettuce from the garden, and went to bed in her indoor tort court, as per Friese’s post on Facebook.

Friese expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped in finding Liam and getting her home safely. She mentioned that heavy rains made it easy for Liam to break out of her enclosure.

Liam is easily recognizable due to her unique shell scutes and a dent on the side of her shell, a result of her previous owner’s neglect.

Liam the tortoise, found 1.8 miles from home after being lost for 9 days. — Liam the sulcata tortoise – KCTV5 News Kansas City

Weighing 50 pounds, Liam is a beloved member of the Friese family, as reported by FOX4KC. Friese expressed her gratitude for the way Liam brought people together during the search for her. She mentioned, “Talk about bringing people together that a little rescue tortoise with a screwy shell could bring so many people.”