Tortoise's Great Escape: Hot Weather Sends Pet on Adventure

A beloved tortoise named Tortie has returned home after a daring escape prompted by warm weather. The seven-inch reptile, owned by John Lakey, absconded from their Harborne, Birmingham residence last Friday and was discovered on Tuesday in a neighboring garden. Mr. Lakey, who has cared for Tortie since he was a boy, explained that hot conditions make tortoises far more active than commonly believed. Tortie's journey involved navigating six stairs and a hole in the fence.

This is not Tortie's first brush with adventure. The reptile has previously survived being run over in 1985, an incident that occurred while his owner was listening to Live Aid. Another notable event involved being clipped by a lawnmower, leading to a three-month recuperation period and a shell repaired with epoxy resin. Tortie also reportedly enjoyed throwing himself down the basement stairs.

Tortie joined the Lakey family in 1974 when the previous owner left him hibernating in a crisp box. Mr. Lakey, a freelance motoring journalist celebrating his 59th birthday, considered Tortie's safe return the best possible present. He expressed immense joy at having his long-time companion home, emphasizing Tortie's significance in his life for nearly five decades.