Theres no real closure.
The reptile was the beloved pet of a then-8-year-old Lenita de Almeida.
During a renovation of the family’s home, the reptile suddenly vanished.
Photo:lifeonwhite/Depositphotos
Little did they know that theyd be reunited decades later.
Unfortunately, no one had, which eventually led them to assume Manuela was gone for good.
Thirty years later, in 2013, the family’s patriarch, Leonel de Almeida, passed away.
During his life, he was handy and also a bit of a hoarder.
says Leandro de Almeida, Leonel’s son.
There, in the box of an old wooden speaker, was a familiar-looking red-footed turtle.
Nathalye de Almeida, Lenita’s daughter,admits.
My mom arrived crying because she didn’t believe it.
Red-footed tortoises are omnivorous, and the family thinks Manuela may have subsisted off of termite larvae.
Regardless, the Almeidas are happy to have Manuela in their lives again.
He’s grown a lot, says Nathalye.
I brought him in to live with me because I have a lot of affection for him.
She feeds him, pets him, and kisses him, says Nathalye.
He’s part of our family.
The family thinks the tortoise may have live off of termite larvae in the cluttered room.
However it survived, they’re thrilled to have this special pet back in the family.
