THE owner of an endangered tortoise which has gone missing in Douglas has appealed for his safe return.

Kevin Walton says his 25 year old tortoise Rupert will be out of his routine at a particularly "delicate" time of year for him.

Rupert, a Greek spur-thighed tortoise, went missing between Wednesday, November 9 and Friday, November 11, in the area of Woodbourne Road and Woodside Terrace.

The tortoise is around 12 inches long from head to toe and has a small spur marking on each of his rear legs.

Rupert usually hibernates around this time of year but Mr Walton said he is sure this hasn't happened as he normally hibernates in the same place each time.

He explained: "I checked him on the Wednesday but when I checked again on Friday he had gone.

"I've looked high and low and can't find him. I know his usual spots, even looking under the decking, and he's not there. He usually likes loose soil and digs his head in but he hasn't dug under the fence. It's unusual that I can't find him."

As an endangered species Rupert is licensed and microchipped and is therefore easily identifiable. All of the vets in the Island have been notified of Rupert's disappearance.

Mr Walton continued: "He's been in the family for years but this is the first time he's gone missing in the Isle of Man. He's done it once before in England but here there is no where for him to go as he is in an enclosed garden.

"It's really very upsetting. He is a family pet and he will probably still be here even when I'm gone as they can live to 70 or 80 years old. It was our idea that my partner's son would take him on when I no longer could.

"If he has been taken I just want him brought back. It's a delicate time of year for him and he needs to be in the right routine."

If anyone does find Rupert the tortoise he can be dropped off at any vets or at any police station. Alternatively contact Mr Walton on 07624 300078.