Police catch runaway tortoise on the streets of Nephi
Jul 13, 2023, 12:00 PM
Broccoli, an African Spurred Tortoise was returned safely to his Nephi home. (NCPD)
(NCPD)
NEPHI, Utah — A runaway tortoise was returned safe and sound to his family by the Nephi City Police Department. The department introduced the tortoise to the community through a Facebook post that detailed his escape.
The lost-and-found tortoise’s name is Broccoli. He’s an African Spurred Tortoise — also known as a Sulcata. Sulcatas are the largest mainland species of tortoise, and the third-largest the third largest tortoise in the world.
Despite his size, Broccoli found a way out of his family’s yard, taking himself on a tour of the streets of Nephi.
The owner of the adventurous tortoise posted later to Facebook, sharing a video of how the grand escape occurred.
Broccoli is six years old and will live to be around 100 years, reaching over 100 pounds. Broccoli, a male tortoise, will likely grow to weigh 150 – 200 pounds.
The NCPD shared a photo of Broccoli when he was a hatchling.
Broccoli is a vegetarian and eats grass and plants and really loves certain flowers and fruit. If you happen to see Broccoli out on the streets again, NCPD wants you to know that he has grown up with a family, and is very friendly.
