The turtle was taken Sunday evening, hours after the Daily News reporter left, said Sean Casey, owner of the Sean Casey Animal Rescue and neighboring pet supply store in Brooklyn.

Casey said the reptile was sent to him by a man in Florida who was unable to care for it.

Part of the newspaper article was a contest to name the two-headed pet. The newspaper later ran a story about the theft on its Web site.

The turtle had been on display for the past few weeks and was getting a lot of attention, but Casey said he made clear it wasn't for sale.

Casey said it must be specially fed by hand -- or the two heads will fight over the food.

"We just want the turtle back," Casey said Monday. "We're worried about his health."

Concerned customers have donated more than $1,000 as a reward for returning the reptile unharmed.

Source: newsday.com