ORLANDO, Fla. – Officials at the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge & Education Center said two gopher tortoises, which are a federally protected and threatened species, were found vandalized in one day.
One was found wandering in Pine Hills and the other was found at Blanchard Park.
After the tortoises were reported to Orange County Animal Services, they were taken to the wildlife refuge for further care.
Wildlife officials said it will take multiple cleanings to remove paint from the tortoises as well as time to get them both back in good health.