A beloved tortoise taken from a reptile park near Matakana has been located in Kaitata, but police still have concerns for a missing iguana.
Police have been making inquiries into the burglary of the two animals from Ti Point Reptile Park that were reported missing last month.
Warkworth Police Sergeant Dan McDermott said officers received a call late last week that the tortoise had arrived at an address in Kaitaia.
"The 17-year-old male leopard tortoise has since made the long trek back to Warkworth, where he has relaxed back into the safe environment of the park," he said.
He said police were "thrilled" to assist the beloved tortoise to return home, but are "growing more concerned" for the welfare of an eight-year-old female green iguana who was also taken during the burglary.
McDermott said an iguana is "not a suitable pet" for someone who doesn't understand what care is required.
"We are working together with our colleagues in Northland to identify the suspects and hold them to account.
"We would also like to acknowledge our partnership with Department of Conservation, whose team kindly travelled to Kaitaia to assist with the safe transport of the tortoise."
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the iguana is urged to get in touch with police through 105 or Crime Stoppers.
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