CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – We have all heard about the story of the race between the tortoise and the hare, but this is a bit of a different story. The tortoise made a run for it, or maybe more of a crawl for it, and got away.

Solomon is his name, and he escaped from his enclosure on Sinclair Lane off Cheatham Dam Road on June 8 in Cheatham County. Not to be confused with a turtle, the pet’s owner, Lynn Cole said, Solomon is an African Sulcata Tortoise, a vegetarian that lives on land and cannot swim.

Cole said Solomon has been a member of the family since he was a hatchling 15 years ago and he fit in the palm of her hand. These days, he measures 3 feet long and weighs in at close to 150 pounds. He will continue to grow until he is about 20 years old and could reach 200 pounds.

Solomon resided in a carefully fenced-in area with his own heated enclosure, and Cole assumes he pushed against part of the fence until he was able to force it open.

Cole described Solomon as gentle and comfortable around both people and domestic pets, and the family is offering a reward for his return.

The family has put the word out about his disappearance on social media, passed out fliers in the community, and have notified both the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

“He is a member of the family, and as any pet owner can attest, it’s heartbreaking to lose a pet, and it’s heartbreaking to lose him. He is very missed.  It’s just hard and it’s emotional.  We would just be so grateful if someone could be helpful,” said Cole.

If anyone has information about Solomon, call 615-308-3234, 615-981-2793, or email lynnmcole2004@gmail.com.