Insect Asylum staff asks thief to return stolen hibiscus plant meant for animals

A Northwest Side museum is asking a thief to return a stolen hibiscus plant.

The Insect Asylum says it needs the missing hibiscus plant to feed its animals.

Museum employees recently walked outside to find their plant had been taken straight from the pot in front of their business.

They say that without the flowers, a turtle named Tortie and an iguana named Roxy miss out on snacks and playtime. 

"We understand that these trees are beautiful and the one that they took was fully in bloom so it does make sense that they would want it, it's gorgeous," Nina Salem said. "However, we would really love for it to be returned to our museum because, as you can see here, Tortie and Roxy really love their hibiscus and they're kind of sad without it."

While hibiscus flowers are not part of either critter's diet, it is a nutritious supplement that's hard to find.

The museum said a few people have reached out, offering hibiscus plant donations. They say they'll look into those kind gestures.