NAPLES, Fla. (WFLA) — Two gopher tortoises, found spray-painted blue and pink, were taken to receive treatment from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this week.

The first gopher tortoise was found after the rescuer saw a blue and pink object in her backyard. It wasn’t until a week later that the same woman found another tortoise, painted gold and pink, and took it to the nature preserve for care.

When the critters were received, a veterinarian said while they were uninjured, the paint on their shells is problematic and can cause an array of health issues.

Since their shells are living tissue, it can prevent the tortoises from absorbing UV light, which can deform the shell, and even be absorbed into their bloodstream.

Given the chance that the paint was sprayed onto the animals, the paint fumes may have been inhaled, leading to respiratory illnesses.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida said their vets have begun the long process of removing small sections of paint in stages throughout the week.

Both tortoises are living in the reptile room and receiving constant care from the staff.

As of Thursday, the tortoises are in good health, but they are being monitored daily for respiratory infections and are continuing to have the paint removed.

It was not made known who or where the animals came from, or if anyone would be held accountable. WFLA.com has reached out for comment.