Turtle sat under the floor of a house for more than 10 years

In the village of Itacaja (Tocantins state, Brazil), people during renovation work came across a turtle that had survived for more than 10 years under the floor of a house.

The granddaughter of the homeowner told local media that the floor was 13 years old and she believes the animal fell there during construction and got stuck. "It was definitely trapped for a long time. The turtle has a deformed shell, is sensitive to light and ate a lot of food right after it was rescued," said Luisa.

According to ecologist Mateus Silva Mesquita, the turtles' survival in extreme conditions is due to their slow metabolism and ability to enter a state of suspended animation, similar to hibernation, in a dark and humid environment, which allows the animal to survive without food and water for long periods of time. The turtle can also feed on vegetables, insects and even feces, which may have been necessary for its survival over the years. Local journalist Wilson Coelho, who is responsible for the video, said biologists will assess the animal's health.