Turtles and tortoises are known for their slow pace when they are cruising around on their own. However, nearly 200 of these little guys almost jumped into the fast lane when they were boxed up as part of a shipment that was set to be sent out through FedEx.
According to a Facebook post from the City of Denton Animal Shelter, 191 turtles and tortoises were taken into custody after the authorities were called about the unusual package. The animal shelter says it then looped in the local Fish and Wildlife representatives, who opened an investigation into the incident.
The animal shelter gave the Fish and Wildlife reps a huge shout-out in the Facebook post, thanking them for the “quick support and partnership” and noting how the different animal service groups serve the community. The turtles are now in good hands since they have been relocated to a nearby zoo.
As for how the turtles were discovered… let’s just say that there was a reason that FedEx was initially skeptical about the package, prompting them to take a closer look at what was inside. Now, the unusual discovery has gone viral, and outlets like CBS News and Fox 4 News Dallas are covering the story and reporting that the shipment was bound for China.
The Turtles Were Found at a North Texas FedEx
According to the City of Denton Animal Shelter’s post, the turtles were initially set up in the shelter’s office. While they were there, the animals were evaluated and given “proper care.” Afterward, they were transferred to the Dallas Zoo, where the post says they are now “safely housed.”
It’s unclear whether this is a permanent or temporary solution, but for now, it sounds like the Dallas Zoo is the best place for the turtles and tortoises, considering how many were found.
FedEx Employees Discovered the Turtles Thanks to a Flag on the Shipper’s Account
It’s not an accident that the shipment received a closer inspection after it was dropped off at the FedEx facility, according to the City of Denton Animal Shelter. The shelter explained how the turtles were found in response to someone’s question on Facebook, writing, “Our understanding is that the shipper had previous issues shipping with FedEx and their account was flagged.”
The animal shelter also answered a few other questions in the comments, including one about where someone would’ve gotten that many of them in the first place. “We don’t have information on their origin, but they are native species to our area,” the animal shelter person wrote.
People Made Jokes in the Comments
While there were plenty of thoughtful questions in the comments, there were more than a few people sharing their funny takes on the situation.
“Instead of Snail Mail, it was Turtle Shipped,” one person wrote.
“Who the h–l mails 191 turtles. Can you imagine if they got the wrong address and some random person received 191 turtles,” another person posted.
It doesn’t seem like there are any updates about the investigation yet, but it appears that a local branch of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is on the case.