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.