An Orlando wildlife refuge center is trying to spread the word about two gopher tortoises that were found with their shells covered in paint.
One was found in Pine Hills and the other was found, weak and sick, in Blanchard Park in east Orlando, according to the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge & Education Center’s Facebook page.
The weaker tortoise is about 20 years old and is suffering from a fungal infection.
“It is completely disrespectful to the animal to do something like this,” said Debbie Helsel, who works at the shelter. “Unfortunately, he’s extremely dehydrated.”
The tortoise found in Pine Hills is about 8 years old. Its shell was doused in glitter in addition to the paint job that could destroy the tissue the animal breathes through.
The tortoises were reported to Orange County Animal Services and brought to the refuge for further care. Officials with the center are concerned because they said the paint can be very harmful to the animals.
Gopher tortoises use their shells to help them breath, and the paint is causing toxins to get into their lungs.
“Right underneath this (the shell) is just a very thin, thin shell where all their organs are,” said Helsel.
Officials with the refuge said it will take multiple cleanings to carefully remove the paint without damaging the shell.
“It’s not fun. It’s not funny. It’s not healthy for the animal because it causes a lot of problems and this animal could end up losing its life over something like this,” said Helsel.
It’s not known who painted the shells and currently no investigation is underway.
