Missing 70-Year-Old Cornwall Tortoise Found Safe After Eight Months
The Great Escape of Cusgarne: How a 70-Year-Old Tortoise Survived the Wilds
Residents in the quiet, close-knit hamlet of Cusgarne, nestled between Truro and Redruth, are celebrating a miraculous reunion this week. Scuttle, a beloved 70-year-old tortoise who sparked a widespread community search when she vanished last August, has been found safe and sound. Her owner, Fiona Sherriff, who runs the historic Cusgarne Manor boutique B&B, had feared the worst after Scuttle seemingly scaled a traditional Cornish hedge to escape her enclosure. For eight long months, through a notoriously wet winter, the local community kept a watchful eye out for the adventurous reptile. Scuttle and her companion, Pickford, have been cherished members of the Sherriff family since the 1970s, originally belonging to Fiona’s late mother, Pauline. Having inherited them last year, Fiona felt an immense sense of responsibility to keep them safe, making Scuttle’s sudden disappearance devastating. The relief of her return has rippled through the valley, reminding locals of the deep bonds we share with our long-lived animal companions and the unique challenges of keeping pets safe in our rural Cornwall landscape.
Community Spirit and the Power of Local Connections
The breakthrough came when a neighbour spotted Scuttle nestled in a small burrow in an adjacent field, a mere 300 metres from her home. It was an astonishing discovery given the harsh winter conditions and the abundance of local predators like badgers, foxes, and rats. Fiona attributes Scuttle’s survival to her natural instincts, as the resilient tortoise managed to dig herself into the ground to hibernate safely. The successful reunion highlights the incredible power of local community Facebook groups, where appeals for Scuttle’s safe return had been shared widely by neighbours. This tight-knit community spirit is exactly what makes our part of Cornwall so special, drawing visitors from all over the world. Many tourists who decide to go to Newquay or explore the rugged beauty of the north coast often seek out peaceful, inland retreats like Cusgarne Manor to experience this genuine Cornish warmth. Now that Scuttle is back, Fiona plans to build a brand-new, secure enclosure where guests staying at the boutique B&B can safely admire the legendary pair, adding a delightful new chapter to their stay.
What Local Pet Owners Can Learn from Scuttle’s Adventure
Scuttle’s daring escape serves as an important reminder for pet owners across Cornwall, particularly those with exotic or slow-moving animals. Cornish hedges, which are historic stone-and-earth structures rich in biodiversity, are a proud feature of our local landscape, but their sloped, grassy sides can occasionally act as ramps for surprisingly agile pets. Experts advise local residents to regularly check their garden boundaries, especially as spring arrives and tortoises begin to wake up from hibernation with renewed energy. Fiona is currently spoiling Scuttle with her favourite treats of fresh lettuce and dandelions to help her rebuild her strength alongside Pickford. Moving forward, local wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to keep reporting unusual sightings in their fields and gardens, as our rural hedgerows host more surprises than we think. For the residents of Cusgarne and the surrounding areas, this heartwarming resolution is a testament to the vigilance of our neighbours. As we head into the busy spring season, stories like Scuttle’s remind us of the magic of Cornwall’s countryside and the enduring strength of our local community bonds.
Source: Tortoise reappears months after ‘climbing hedge’ in daring escape
