Family's Effort to Evacuate Giant Tortoise from CA Fire Brings All the Feels
Thousands of people in Los Angeles, California are fleeing due to devastating wildfires that rage across the city. Some have had little to no warning before leaving their homes and lifelong possessions. But what's worse are the many animals that have to be transported along with their humans. Like Tiptoe, a Giant Tortoise who had to be carefully moved when it looked like the worst was about to happen.
We can only imagine how scary things were for Tiptoe's owner, Caitlin. Moving a Giant Tortoise can't be easy — especially because they aren't fast.
As Caitlin shared in her video, she waited as long as she could before fleeing the area. But it was clear that they had to go.
Related: Giant Tortoise Taking a Bath Is Full of Pure Joy
"We are way in the line of fire, so we gotta get out of here," she explained in the video. Armed with some peppers to lure Tiptoe out of his enclosure and into their truck, Caitlin managed to get the tortoise out safely. But we're sure it was scary, considering how slowly the animal moves.
"We are out of here!!" the woman exclaimed in the caption.
The comments section was stressed just watching Caitlin trying to get Tiptoe to safety. "The frustration I would feel trying to hurry a tortoise!" wrote one person. "He does NOT seem to appreciate the urgency of the situation," teased another commenter. "Evacuating a turtle might be the most stressful thing I've ever seen," agreed another person. "Me mind: 'Is she gonna get the dogs or chickens? She's gotta hurry!' *Shows turtle* me: darn now I'm stressed," quipped someone else.
Sadly, a video update did not have good news. According to Caitlin, TipToe's home, the "Pink House," burned to the ground.
Absolutely heartbreaking. To think of the many memories Tiptoe, Caitlin, and their family made in their house that can never be replaced is crushing.
The Los Angeles Wildfires Have Been Destructive
According to the Los Angeles Times, over 9,000 structures have been destroyed or damaged and at least 130,000 residents have been evacuated from the area. Sadly many of these structures have been residential homes filled with photos, memories, and precious mementos that people have had to part with forever.
Fire crews have been struggling for days to get the wildfires under control. The city is currently under a red flag warning through January 10. Ten have been declared dead in the tragedy. With no end in sight there will undoubtedly be more destruction before the wildfires are extinguished.
It's times like these that one has to count their blessings. Thankfully Tiptoe and his loved ones made it out a-okay.
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