A tortoise named Leonardo has been reunited with his owners in Ulverston, Cumbria, nine months after going missing. The reptile was discovered about a mile from his home, having covered the distance at an average pace of 6 metres per day.
Leonardo vanished from his garden in July last year, prompting a social media campaign. A dog walker spotted him walking down a street and took him to Little Beasties Ulverston pet shop, where staff identified him via his microchip and contacted owner Rachel Etches.
Etches told the BBC that Leonardo's disappearance was her fault, as she became distracted after the birth of her second child. She feared he would not survive the winter, having lived indoors under a heat lamp for 13 years. However, she believes he hibernated and resumed moving when the weather improved.
Leonardo had previously escaped a few years ago but was found within days. Etches described tortoises as adventurous creatures that test boundaries. The pet shop celebrated the reunion on Facebook, noting that Leonardo was found safe and healthy.
