Police are appealing for help in tracing a turtle stolen from the Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port.
The turtle, called Clyde, was stolen from the Cheshire Oaks attraction this afternoon.
Staff at Blue Planet have warned that without specialist care Clyde is likely to die.
Cheshire Police posted on Facebook: “Were you at the Blue Planet Aquarium today? Did you see anything suspicious?
“Did you see anyone enter any of the enclosures or perhaps in sodden clothing?”
The force said it was keeping an “open mind” over the circumstances of the theft.
The turtle is approximately 20cm long.
Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 and quote incident number 719 of August 30.
Anonymous calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
