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Runaway Tortoise Halts Traffic In Santa Fe

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A 150-pound runaway tortoise brought traffic to a halt before being rescued in Santa Fe.

Santa Fe police say animal service officers responding to calls of traffic backing up on Old Santa Fe Trail Tuesday morning found the 15-year-old African spurred tortoise named Plato, which had escaped from a home on North Spur Road.

According to police, Plato's owner says the tortoise was likely searching for her granddaughter, Lola, who came to visit from San Diego and left on Sunday. The owner tells police the tortoise loves 8-year-old Lola, who sings to him and feeds him kale. She says Plato even lets the girl ride on his back and gets depressed when she leaves.

Police say Lola was overjoyed to hear Plato was rescued.