Two endangered turtles that were stolen from the Peoria Zoo have been found in a backyard.

Zoo officials say four children between the ages of 10 and 12 took the spotted turtles from an aquarium sometime on Sunday. The turtles were discovered missing on Monday, the same day the four children returned to the zoo and ran from workers who found them in restricted area. The children were caught with a rabbit. They told authorities where to find the turtles.

Zoo director Yvonne Strode says the zoo was thrilled to get the turtles back alive and healthy.

Strode says she can't remember a visitor trying to steal a zoo animal in more than 12 years.