Tortoise, hedgehog stolen from Old MacDonald’s Farm at Bever Park

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids police are investigating after two animals were taken Tuesday afternoon from Old MacDonald’s Farm at Bever Park.

Cedar Rapids police said Sully the Russian tortoise and Ginny the African pygmy hedgehog were taken from the barn sometime between 12:30 and 4 p.m. They think whoever took the animals then released them inside Bever Park.

Police said the suspect or suspects would have had to jump the 6-foot-tall fence that surrounds the barn before removing the animals. The barn door was left slightly ajar because of the hot weather.

The zoo was closed at the time of the theft. Police declined to comment on what security measures are in place to protect the zoo and its animals.

The tortoise was found unharmed Wednesday afternoon in the park, about 100 yards from the barn, police said. The hedgehog has not yet been found.

No suspects have been identified.

Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation and the Police Department are asking parkgoers to keep an eye out for the missing hedgehog. If spotted, please contact Rob Wagner with the Parks and Recreation Department at (319) 286-5799.

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