A tortoise somehow made its way into a blue bag collection this week – surviving several pieces of equipment at Mayside Recycling – before being rescued by staff.
Vets have treated the reptile’s “superficial” injuries and now the GSPCA is trying to find his owner.
“Early this morning our Animal Ambulance Warden got a call from a gentleman from Mayside Recycling saying that they had found a tortoise amongst their blue bag recycling,” explained GSPCA Animal Care Assistant Jack Le Moigne.
“He explained that the tortoise (now called Mayside) found its way somehow into the lorry, likely dumped on the ground, scooped up by a digger and then went through several pieces of equipment including a spiked barrel drum, a compactor, a conveyor, and then proceeded to drop from 15 ft.”
Mr Le Moigne said when ‘Mayside’ arrived at the GSPCA’s headquarters, he “appeared, miraculously, to be in good condition with a few small superficial wounds to his legs and tail, but no damage to his shell. He was sent over to Route Isabelle for examination and x-rays to determine if he had sustained any internal or more serious injuries.
“We’ve just heard back from the vets and Mayside is doing well! His wounds were cleaned, he was given anti-inflammatory medication for pain, an electrolyte bath, and warmed up and is ready to be collected!”
Mr Le Moigne said ‘Mayside’ will need to take pain medication for five days but is “otherwise fine and doing well despite his treacherous morning”.
His boss, GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne, said this is one of the most amazing stories in the charity’s history.
“We have seen some amazing rescue stories at the GSPCA but this really is incredible”
“How the tortoise got into the recycling we may never know, but Mayside is incredibly lucky to have survived his ordeal.
“Chatting to Andy from Mayside he and we can’t believe how the tortoise managed to firstly get into the recycling and to have been through some many recycling processes and come out with just a few minor injuries we really can’t put into words how lucky he is.
“He is likely owned by someone and appealing for anyone with information to contact us on 257261 as we really hope he escaped and made his own way into the recycling and it wasn’t done intentionally.”
Andy Norman from Mayside Recycling said they were all very pleased to hear that ‘Mayside’ is doing well.
“It is amazing how the tortoise survived but we are really pleased he is now doing well at the GSPCA.”
If ‘Mayside’ is not claimed by an owner, he will be put up for adoption. The GSPCA also helps other animals find loving homes.
“If you have lost or found a pet we have an advice page online www.gspca.org.gg/services/lost-found-advice or please call 257261,” said Mr Byrne.
“We are always looking for loving homes for animals and we do have many cats, lots of rabbits, ferrets, and you will often see many home to homes on our social media so if wanting to give an animal a home please do complete an online adoption form or pop in and say hello.”