Family seeks community help to find missing tortoise

004Rancho Santa Fe residents, the Quraishys, are asking for your help finding their pet tortoise, “Peep” (in photo above). The tortoise has been missing since early October. Signs were posted in the area and several commuters called in sightings by the corner of El Montevideo and Paseo Delicias, as well as by the golf course. Unfortunately, the signs were removed within 24 hours after they were posted and no new sightings have been reported. The family is hesitant to post new signs after their last experience.

They are now relying on word of mouth to assist in the finding of their tortoise. The tortoise does not hibernate and is most active between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Peep is an African Spur tortoise, and is now about 4 years old. He currently weights 40 pounds and is expected to live until well over 100 years of age. The Sulcata is the third largest species of tortoise in the world and the largest of the mainland tortoises. Adults are usually 18 inches (45 cm) in shell length, and weigh 70 to 100 pounds.

If you have any information regarding the family pet, please contact Karyn at 858-759-0468.