1 of 2 missing turtles returned to Louisville Nature Center

Louisville Nature Center officials recently announced the return of one of the turtles that went missing from the preserve's outdoor habitat over the weekend.

A spokesperson for the organization said two young men located Chocolate, a staff and student favorite at the center, and returned him Thursday evening. Chocolate being cared for by human handlers inside an enclosure is necessary, as he's unable to fully retract into his shell or dig a hole for hibernation to protect himself outdoors.

"We are grateful for the community responses," Executive Director Rebecca Minnick said.

Officials are still searching for a second turtle, Jack, who also went missing. While Jack may be able to protect himself from the harsh outdoor conditions, the nature preserve encourages his return. Minnick previously told The Courier Journal that they don't want to press criminal charges, and just simply want them returned to their home.

Minnick said previously told The Courier Journal that both turtles were discovered as missing Monday morning after staff members found a cinderblock had been removed from the enclosure and only three of the five turtles kept by the center were still inside.

Anyone with any information on Jack's whereabouts is encouraged to contact the center.

Leo Bertucci contributed to this report. Marina Johnson is a breaking and trending news reporter at The Courier Journal. She can be reached at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.

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This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 1 of 2 missing turtles returned to Louisville Nature Center