Turtles Stolen From Joliet Nature Center

CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's no shell game. Authorities in Joliet are investigating the theft of several turtles from a nature center.

Someone apparently used a brick to smash a window at the Pilcher Park Nature Center on June 15, and made off with seven turtles.

Manager Kathleen Zaban said one sick turtle was taken from a counter in the animal kitchen, and six more were stolen from a pond exhibit.

One of the turtles, Sandy, is a rare ornate box turtle, which is listed as threatened in Illinois. Mishandling an ornate box turtle is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, and up to 12 months in jail.

Zaban said the loss is a disappointment for the children who visit Pilcher Park.

Ursula, a red-eared slider turtle stolen from the Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet. (Photo courtesy Kathleen Zaban)

Sandy, an ornate box turtle stolen from the Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet. (Photo courtesy Kathleen Zaban)

Natalie, an eastern box turtle stolen from the Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet. (Photo courtesy Kathleen Zaban)

Freddy, a red-eared slider turtle stolen from the Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet. (Photo courtesy Kathleen Zaban)

Chip, a painted turtle stolen from the Pilcher Park Nature Center in Joliet. (Photo courtesy Kathleen Zaban)

Crime