Endangered turtles returned after suspected theft

A lock was damaged at the Mel and Stevie's enclosure at Dudley Zoo

Two endangered turtles have been found after going missing from their zoo enclosure.

Dudley Zoo said keepers noticed the male Coahuilan Box Turtles, Mel and Stevie, were missing on Saturday morning and a lock was broken.

In an update on Monday, a spokesperson said the pair were found by a member of the public about three miles away in a Tipton play area.

They were checked by a vet and appeared to be well, the zoo said.

It said it was the only zoo in the country with a collection of the animals which were only found in the wild in Mexico.

Before Mel and Stevie were found, zoo curator, Richard Brown, said he was worried they were stolen to order because of their endangered status.

These turtles spent most of their time in water and required specialist care, including a special diet and heating, and keepers were concerned for their welfare the longer they were missing.

Mel and Stevie were found in a play area, about three miles from the zoo, on Monday morning

The zoo said it launched a full review into security in its reptile house, where the turtles went missing from.

Extra bolts and window locks were installed and staff would monitor the area until security work was completed, a spokesperson said.

"Security's always our priority," said Mr Brown. "It's a zoo - people shouldn't be coming to zoos to steal the animals."

The zoo thanked members of the public for sharing their appeal and helping them to find the turtles.

Mel and Stevie were returned to the reptile house where they will remain in quarantine and not on show for the next week.