Turtle rescued after month trapped in Venezuela earthquake rubble

A small tortoise survived more than a month trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in Venezuela after an earthquake struck the region. The 6‑meter‑high structure, located in the municipality of San José de Bolívar, collapsed on 12 April during a 6.3‑magnitude quake that caused widespread damage and dozens of casualties. According to the Ministry of Civil Protection, the turtle was found by rescue workers on 25 April, having endured the heat and lack of oxygen under the debris.

Rescue teams, assisted by the National Guard and local volunteers, carefully cleared the wreckage to locate the animal. The tortoise, identified as a red‑footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonarius), was stabilized and transported to a veterinary clinic in Caracas for evaluation. Veterinary officials reported that the turtle was in good condition, having survived the harsh conditions by finding a small cavity within the rubble that provided shelter and moisture.

The successful rescue highlights the challenges faced by emergency responders in the wake of the earthquake and underscores the resilience of wildlife in disaster zones. Authorities plan to monitor the tortoise’s recovery and consider measures to protect other animals that may be affected by future seismic events in the region.