Our scientists have conducted many contamination investigations into properties that were once being operated as meth lab, but were surprised to hear about the tortoise living in one.

On October 3rd, 2016 The West Australian reported that a rare western swamp tortoise has been released into Bullsbrook Swamp, after being discovered by police during a raid on a meth lab.

A Western Swamp Tortoise

The tortoise was among a batch of 10 originally bred in captivity and released some 20 years ago.  The tortoise hadn’t been seen since 2010, until the police raid in August 2016.  Perth Zoo lists them as the most endangered Australian reptile

He was released on Sunday with a tracker that Department of Parks and Wildlife chief research scientist Gerald Kuchling said would help deliver vital information about the endangered reptile.