Horny Tortoises Rescued In Highlands
Happy Ending For Giant Testudines?
Loud moans being heard throughout the Grand Tour neighborhood in Highlands lead to the rescue of four giant pet tortoises that would not have survived the coming winter in New Jersey’s climate, according to a report in The Asbury Park Press.
Richard Hines, 41, moved from North Carolina to Highlands in June, bringing his pets with him. Big Blackjack, a 575 pound native of the African archipelago had been Hines pet for 15 years. Three other tortoises ranging in size from 25 to 120 lbs were also rescued.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife filed charges of possession of an exotic species without a permit against Hines.
Welcome to New Jersey Mr. Hines. Hines’ wife Christina told NJ.com that the couple would not have moved here if they had known they couldn’t keep the tortoises which are valued between $2000 and $10,000 on the exotic pet market.
Monmouth SPCA Chief Buddy Amato told NJ.com that the aninmals were malnournished and had holes in their shells filled with fiber glass. He said they are desert animals that the Hines improperly kept in water.