LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Nature Center is asking for the safe return of two of its turtles that were stolen over the weekend.
The Nature Center said in a Facebook post box turtles "Chocolate" and "Jack" were taken when someone broke into their outdoor enclosure.
Chocolate, in particular, is special to the Louisville Nature Center staff.
"We found him wandering here several years ago, obviously an abandoned pet," the post said. "We have been caring for him for several years now and he is a staff and student favorite."
The Nature Center said the search for Chocolate is especially urgent since he can't take care of himself in the wild.
"He had not been taken care of properly, resulting in deformities that make him unable to dig a hole to hibernate in, and unable to fully retract into his shell for protection. He cannot live on his own in the wild," the Facebook post said.
The Louisville Nature Center said they will accept the safe return of the turtles, no questions asked.
"We are asking for their return, we will not ask any questions, we just want our turtles back," the Nature Center said in a social media post.
The Nature Center staff and volunteers set out a box outside the center where the turtles can be returned.
"If we find our box turtles in this box, we will ask no questions, no one gets in trouble, and we'll be happy to be reunited with our beloved turtles," the Center said in a second Facebook post.