11 animals missing from Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, possibly stolen

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (FOX 35 WOFL) - Santa Fe College in Gainesville is reporting that their campus police department has increased security after eleven animals disappeared from their habitats at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.

After making a public appearance for World Turtle Day on May 23rd, the college says that two gopher tortoises and two box turtles were found missing form their open enclosure on the morning of May 24th.

A week later, the college says that zookeepers discovered another seven animals missing from secure enclosures, including a squirrel monkey, a skink, two red foot tortoises, and another three box turtles.

“Students and staff are devastated,” said Kathy Russell, general curator at the zoo. “These animals have been with us for years. They are ambassadors for the guys in the wild. We hope that someone is taking care of them, but we know that we can provide the best care for them at the zoo. Please bring them back.”

The gopher tortoises are a protected species, making it a third-degree felony to harm or tamper with them. The two were reportedly rescued by the teaching zoo after surviving a dog attack and being hit by a vehicle. They each have multiple metal plates keeping their shells in place and they are both on medication to prevent a deadly virus that led to four tortoise deaths at the zoo earlier this year.

The Santa Fe College Police Department says that there is evidence that the animals were stolen from the facility and are conducting an investigation and increasing patrols in the area. 

The Santa Fe Counseling Center has a team of counselors stationed at the zoo, working with students and staff.

Anyone with any information about the animals is asked to contact the Santa Fe Police Department at 352-395-5519.