Four tortoises -- including one weighing more than 500 pounds -- seized from a New Jersey home are being evaluated at a rescue zoo.
Some of them had cracked shells, which had to be sealed using a special epoxy.
The reptiles were rescued from the home and taken to the Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River, N.J.
Despite the injuries the tortoises don't look too bad, said zoo general manager John Bergmann.
Veterinarians specializing in exotic animals were set examine the tortoises on Wednesday.
Richard Hines Jr. of Highlands is charged with possession of exotic species without a permit. His telephone was disconnected on Tuesday.
Neighbors reported what they described as “crying” by the tortoises and were feeding them, state Environmental Protection Department spokesman Larry Ragonese said.
The tortoises, which included a 125-pounder and two football-sizers -- were reportedly being kept in the yard, said officials.
The reptiles are Aldabra tortoises, which are second in size only to the Galapagos tortoise.
No word yet on where they will live moving forward.
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