Tortoise triggers security alert in Saudi

Saudi police and civil defence rushed to a farm late night after receiving a call from nearby residents that they have seen a strange animal lying in the sand.

Police said they had expected to struggle with a large predator but they came face to face with a tortoise, which could hardly walk because of old age.

In a report from the central town of Wadi Al Dawasir, Sabq newspaper said the civil defence took the tortoise to wildlife authorities for protection.

Tortoises generally have one of the longest lifespans of any animal, and some individuals are known to have lived longer than 150 years.

 

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