Imagine a tortoise, not just any tortoise, but a century-old African tortoise named Biscuit, going on an adventure that sounds almost like the plot of an animated family movie.
Located in the cozy community of Gonzales in Louisiana, which sits comfortably between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Biscuit made his escape.
A strong gust of wind and a bit of rain were his accomplices, breaking open the backyard gate that kept him safely at home.
Lamoine Howard, Biscuit’s devoted owner, mentioned on Facebook that he had plans to fix that faulty gate.
However, in Howard’s own words, Biscuit had “other plans.”
SOURCE: MEGAN HANSEN – FLICKR
Now enter the real-life heroes of this unfolding drama.
On August 30, local animal control officers Curt Trepagnier and Isreal Millet received a distress call.
Deputies had spotted Biscuit “in distress” in New River Canal in Gonzales.
Swinging into action, these officers didn’t just find Biscuit; they “humanely collected the tortoise, loaded him into a truck and drove him” to Cara’s House, a compassionate animal shelter nearby.
The clock was ticking, as officials posted on Facebook that the shelter had a three-day policy to allow owners to reclaim their pets.
After that, Biscuit would be up for adoption.
SOURCE: NEIL TURNER – FLICKR
Tortoises like Biscuit are the epitome of resilience and longevity, often outliving many humans.
This little escapade that occurred in late August serves as proof of how hearty these creatures are.
The San Diego Zoo informs us that African-spurred tortoises are actually the largest mainland tortoises in the world.
Hold onto your hats: some of these tortoises can grow to lengths of 2 1/2 feet and tip the scales between 100 and 200 pounds!
SOURCE: WSIL NEWS 3 – YOUTUBE
But their size isn’t the only impressive thing about these animals.
They have lifespans that make them long-term commitments for pet owners.
Many can live up to 80 or even 100 years old.
So when you decide to bring one of these wonderful creatures into your home, you’re basically making a pact for a lifetime of care.
And for those like Howard who make that commitment, the rewards can be immeasurable.
SOURCE: WSIL NEWS 3 – YOUTUBE
Flash forward to the big moment: the reunion!
Just a few hours after Biscuit arrived at Cara’s House, the animal shelter could hardly contain their excitement.
They posted a celebratory update on their Facebook page: “We are happy to report that Biscuit has been reunited with his family! This boy is 100 years old.”
SOURCE: WSIL NEWS 3 – YOUTUBE
Social media was not just for announcements; it was also the stage for some heartwarming video content.
A Facebook video showcased Biscuit taking his sweet, sweet time—what you could call a ‘glacial speed’—to meander toward Howard’s pickup truck.
It might sound unbelievable, but it took the 100-year-old tortoise roughly 30 seconds to cover the 10-yard distance from the shelter’s front door to his owner’s vehicle!
SOURCE: WSIL NEWS 3 – YOUTUBE
In the video, you could hear Howard encouraging Biscuit.
He says, “Come on, Biscuit,” and adds as an assurance to the viewers and to his pet, “He knows the truck. Go ahead.”
Then, just before Howard bends over to lift Biscuit into the truck bed, he quips in a humorous tone, “I wish he could jump in.”
SOURCE: WSIL NEWS 3 – YOUTUBE
After the rescue and joyful reunion, Howard didn’t forget to express his heartfelt gratitude.
On the shelter’s Facebook page, he thanked everyone at Cara’s House for their efforts to “return our Biscuit home.”
He also took the time to explain the backstory about the broken gate and his originally laid-back plans to fix it, a timeline Biscuit apparently couldn’t wait for.
SOURCE: WSIL NEWS 3 – YOUTUBE
Whether Biscuit was after a quick adventure or simply found himself caught up in an unplanned escapade courtesy of Mother Nature, one thing is crystal clear: Biscuit is now safely back in the arms—or rather the backyard—of his loving family.
This incredible tale, with its ups and downs from the canal to the animal shelter, and finally to a reunion that melted hearts on social media, serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of these long-living creatures and the enduring commitments of their human caregivers.
For Biscuit and Howard, that commitment seems to be one of endless love and, perhaps, a few more escapades to come!
Watch Biscuit reunite with his owner in the video below.
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