After a seven-week search, Salvador the tortoise has been found in Richmond Park today, 10 May.

The daughter of Salvador's owner, Jackie Child, received a call at around 2pm about a tortoise spotted in Isabella Plantation.

After a tense wait for confirmation, Ms. Child received news that her beloved tortoise had been found by Leon van Dijk and Tori Wilder.

Tori Wilder, Leon van Dijk, and a Royal Parks staff member pose with the mischievous Salvador. (Photo: Leon van Dijk)

Salvador was believed to be missing after wandering into a dead tree while exercising in the park on 22 March.

Appealing to her neighbours on social media, the stricken owner was delighted at the response from locals.

"I was really amazed by people's support [...] The way the community came back – complete strangers! People have just been so nice," she said.

Ms. Child says she visited where Salvador went missing with her daughter every day to leave him dandelions, his favourite food. (Photo: Jackie Child)

Among the well-wishers was a tree surgeon who "offered to cut into the tree for free," and members from a local David Attenborough fan club.

Royal Parks officials were concerned the tortoise had wandered into a nearby badger sett, but he has since defied the odds.

Salvador walked into a hole in a dead tree near Bloomfield Hill car park in Richmond Park. (Photos: Jackie Child)

This marks the tortoise's second foiled escape attempt, having previously found a way out of a friend's garden, only to be found and returned two weeks later.

It is hoped Salvador has learned his lesson after his latest brush with the great outdoors.