Escaped circus tortoise caught on golf course

Published 10:03 pm Sunday, July 19, 2009

MADISON, Wis. — A massive tortoise who left the circus and took his show on the road for six days has been found and is expected to be back with his circus family soon.

The 114-pound male tortoise named Berta had traveled just two miles when he was spotted on a golf course less than a week after his July 7 escape during a show.

Alain Zerbini, owner of Zerbini Family Circus, said he expects to have Berta back in a few days. A friend picked up Berta from the Humane Society in Madison on Friday.

Zerbini said the tortoise has been “part of the family” for 10 years.