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Vet inundated with calls about 'miracle tortoise'

BBC Pee-wee the tortoise has scaly yellow dappled skin with gradients of brown tones. His face is scaly and he has tiny black eyes. BBC
Sara Marchant from Kirk Vets said the tortoise had become a "diva" from all the attention

A Lincolnshire vets said they have been “inundated” with calls about a “celebrity” tortoise which was rescued and brought to them.

The reptile, which has been described as “a miracle tortoise” was taken to Kirk Vets in Sleaford after it was found at a recycling centre in Grantham.

The animal had survived an entire sorting process, including being “shaken, shredded and bashed”.

Sara Marchant, 55, practice manager at Kirks Vets in Sleaford, said they had received calls from across the country and the animal was "having a ball" whilst being looked after.

Sara Marchant has long blonde hair with streaks of brown tones. She's wearing a blue fleece and is clutching a tortoise with both hands
People have been phoning Kirk Vets from across the country, according to Mrs Marchant

“There’s been far flung inquiries," Mrs Marchant said.

“One from Scotland, a couple from London,” she added.

People who have rung the vets thinking the animal could be theirs have been asked for a microchip number or to send pictures of their lost pet to compare.

“I kind of think if his owner was around and looking for him we would’ve reunited him by now,” Mrs Marchant said.

Pee-wee the tortoise has scaly yellow dappled skin with gradients of brown tones. His face is scaly and he has tiny black eyes. His shell towers over his body and is intricate with hexagonal segments of black, brown and dark yellow.
The vet who treated the animal named him "Pee-wee" as they believe he could be a Herman tortoise

Paul Frost, 41, who works at Mid-UK Recycling Centre in Grantham said he was “surprised” the tortoise was alive when it was found.

One of Mr Frost’s colleagues discovered the animal amongst plastic strewn on a picking line.

Mr Frost and his wife took the tortoise to Kirk Vets and offered to care for it if it could not be reunited with his owner.

Although Pee-Wee has been through a lot, Mrs Marchant believes “no matter what, he has a happy ending”.

“He’s currently basking under UV heat lamps, getting fresh herbs and vegetables,” she said.

“He’s having an absolute ball,” she added.

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