Slow and steady, tortoise finds its way home
MADISON — A massive tortoise that made a break for freedom this month in Wisconsin has been corralled and sent to rejoin its circus family in New Jersey.
The 114-pound male tortoise is part of the Zerbini Family Circus in Trenton, N.J.
Berta escaped during a July 7 show in Madison. He was spotted six days later when he wandered onto a golf course two miles away.
Circus owner and producer Alain Zerbini says he’ll be glad to have Berta back, not only because he was expensive but because he’s been "part of the family" for 10 years.
A friend of Zerbini picked up Berta from the local Humane Society on Friday. Zerbini says he expects to have Berta back in a few days.
Berta can’t do any tricks, but Zerbini says he’s still a crowd-pleaser just because "he’s a big tortuga."
Jul 19, 2009 at 4:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
I'm sorry, but to me this is not a happy story. How well could this animal possibly have been cared for, if they didn't notice he was escaping? How do you not notice a 114 pound tortoise meandering away? Isn't he kept in a safe enclosure? I'm no expert, but I think it's pretty safe to say that if you aren't a zoologist, animals like tortoises, elephants, tigers etc..probably should not be kept in your care. They are circus workers, and are in charge of some of the most complex animals on the planet, in terms of their husbandry. They don't even have vets on staff!! It just makes no sense to me...
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.