Pink and blue orbs seen in Florida yard lead to heartbreaking discovery, rescuers say

A strange pink and blue orb found crossing a woman’s yard has exposed a disturbing case of animal abuse involving one of Florida’s protected reptile species, wildlife rescuers say.

The orb turned out to be a gopher tortoise that had been spray painted, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida reported in a Nov. 21 news release.

Two have been found this month in Golden Gate Estates near Naples, and the conservancy is at a loss as to who is doing it and why.

Gopher tortoises are a threatened species in Florida, and state laws forbid harassing them or disturbing their burrows.

“Paint on any turtle shell is problematic because the carapace is bone, which is living tissue. By covering the carapace with paint, it affects the turtle from absorbing UV light, which can deform the shell along with being absorbed into the bloodstream,” the conservancy wrote.

“There is also the chance for a respiratory infection because of how strong paint smells ... The tortoise was inhaling the paint fumes.”

The foot-long tortoises are adults, and were found a week apart by the same woman. In the first instance, she reported “something painted moving in her yard,” and her discovery prompted a call to the conservancy for guidance.

Paint was “thick” on the shells of both, and was also found on the head, arms and legs, officials said.

The woman brought both to the conservancy for rescue and a painstaking process of delicately removing the paint is in progress.

Tests have revealed the tortoises were found in time to avoid life-altering consequences, the conservancy said.

Once cleaned and medically cleared, they will be released near where they were discovered.

Gopher tortoises live up to 60 years, “though captive tortoises may live 90+ years,” the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says.

Golden Gate Estates is about a 170-mile drive south from Tampa.

This story was originally published November 25, 2024 at 7:31 AM with the headline "Pink and blue orbs seen in Florida yard lead to heartbreaking discovery, rescuers say."