Hermann, a $750 greek tortoise, has been stolen from a Pets Unlimited store in east Saint John for the second time in a month.
The Saint John Police were called to the pet store on Wednesday night shortly after 7 p.m. A store clerk alleged a man distracted him and his staff members, while others in the group stole the $750 reptile.
Three people were stopped by the Saint John Police on Wednesday night but they were later released.
The tortoise has not been found.
Joe Mullett, the manager of the Pets Unlimited in Saint John, said this is the second time that Hermann the greek tortoise has been stolen.
About a month ago, he said the tortoise was taken from his store.
In that situation, Mullett said he was able to track down the thief and said he would not press charges if he got Hermann back. The reptile was returned within 24 hours.
He said Hermann is very popular at the pet store.
"For most people who know about tortoises, they get extremely large to the point that people can ride on them. Greek tortoises are smaller and live for 125 years. So that’s why he’s $750," Mullett said.
"Everyone who comes in loves the tortoise. He is cute and little and who doesn’t want a pet that costs $750."
The tortoise has a shell that measures between four and five inches in diameter, so police say it could have easily been hidden in a pocket.
Mullett said Hermann the greek tortoise ended up in Saint John through a series of mishaps.
After ordering a Hermann's tortoise for his Saint John store, the reptile was mistakenly sent to Moncton. In a completely seperate incident, it was stolen from the Moncton pet store.
The owner of Pets Unlimited in Moncton felt so badly, he sent Mullett the greek tortoise as a replacement. Mullett named it Hermann in honour of the stolen reptile.
Mullett said it may seem odd that tortoises keep being stolen but he said it may make sense.
"Most reptiles, like snakes, if you try to take it and put it in your pocket, it will freak out and bite you," he said.
"An expensive tortoise, you pick it up and it will go into its shell and you can walk out."
Mullett said he's hoping the reptile thieves will return Hermann or someone with information will call the Saint John Police.
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