A tortoise named Molly, an African spurred tortoise native to the Sahara desert, was discovered at Oak Hammock Marsh in Manitoba’s Interlake, far from her expected habitat. Staff at the marsh rescued Molly, who weighed 36 kilograms, after receiving multiple reports of a tortoise sighting. Initially, they thought it might be a snapping turtle, a common species in Manitoba. However, a sighting on the iNaturalist app confirmed it was indeed an African spurred tortoise.
The staff at Oak Hammock Marsh were surprised to find such a large tortoise in their midst. After a visitor reported seeing the tortoise in the parking lot, staff members located Molly in the reeds behind the center. They provided her with cucumbers and flower petals, gave her guided tours, and cared for her until her owners were located.
Molly’s family, who had raised her for 15 years since she was a baby, reclaimed her on July 22. It was discovered that Molly had escaped through a gap in the family’s backyard fence during renovations. Despite attempts to escape, Molly was eventually reunited with her family. The mystery remains as to how Molly traveled 20 kilometers to the marsh. One theory suggests that a well-intentioned individual may have relocated her, unaware that tortoises do not belong in wetlands. Another possibility is that Molly made the journey on her own, a feat that astounds those at Oak Hammock Marsh.