Freeport Family Seeks Help Finding Leland, the 75-Pound Tortoise
A 75-pound sulcata tortoise named Leland has been on the lam for a week after slipping out of his yard on Oakcrest Drive in Freeport, and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to keep an eye out.
Leland, an 11-year-old African spurred tortoise — one of the largest tortoise species in the world — escaped from his family’s property on Aug. 18. The Walton County Sheriff’s Office posted a tongue-in-cheek alert on X (formerly Twitter) on Aug. 24, writing: “Freeport, this is an off-i-shell be on the lookout. Leland, a Sulcata tortoise, has decided to go on an unauthorized adventure in search of summer love.” The post noted that he has reportedly been seen cruising down County Road 3280 near the Oakcrest Drive area.
Sulcata tortoises are native to the Sahel region of Africa and are popular exotic pets in Florida due to the warm climate. They can grow to over 100 pounds and live for decades. While they are not fast movers, a tortoise of Leland’s size can cover surprising ground over the course of a week — particularly when motivated by instinct during breeding season. The WCSO’s social media post suggested as much, quipping that Leland may be “in search of summer love.”
The family has been searching since Aug. 18 and turned to the sheriff’s office for help amplifying the plea. Oakcrest Drive is a residential area in Freeport, and deputies are asking anyone who spots a large tortoise wandering along a road or in a yard to contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office rather than attempting to relocate him on their own. A tortoise of Leland’s size can be difficult to handle and may retreat into his shell if startled.
Residents who spot Leland are encouraged to call the Walton County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (850) 892-8111.
Originally reported by MyPanhandle (WMBB) and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
Image: MyPanhandle (WMBB)
