Tortoise rescued from earthquake rubble in La Guaira

A tortoise was discovered alive beneath the rubble of the OPPE-23-C structure in La Guaira, nearly two months after earthquakes struck the region.

The animal has been taken to the Misión Nevado pet shelter in Los Corales, where it will remain until it can be safely returned to its natural habitat. Shelter coordinator Ileana Ortiz described the rescue as a “miracle of life” occurring against all odds.

In light of the disaster, the shelter is expanding its facilities and encouraging responsible adoption for the many dogs, cats, and other species that lost their homes during the seismic events.