Photos by MANUEL YAP and LARRY TAN
It has always been my wish to take care of a large Tortoise, but the requirement for space hinders me from doing so. The best It has always been my wish to take care of a large Tortoise, but option for me was to acquire a small type of Tortoise, which I did.
In 2014, I got an Indian Star Tortoise and named him Ferrari. (I already had two articles about Ferrari published in previous Animal Scene issues where I shared my journey with him.)
Ferrari still brings a smile to my face whenever I watch him in his cozy enclosure, and three people have kept me in his Tortoise world.
JAIME LIM
I cannot find another person who has given me more inspiration, not only when it comes to Tortoises but also with other animals. He is incredibly generous with sharing information and creating the biggest setups.
His interests include, but are not limited to, Pigeons, Felines, Snakes, Rabbits, Koi Fish, and more. He raises his Tortoises at Congo Charlie, which arguably has the best facilities in the country.
JOHNNY FILART
The most hands-on Tortoise guardian who uses basic science and common sense in keeping and breeding Tortoises, he has an enthusiasm so contagious that it makes me want to acquire all the Tortoises he talks about.
Thankfully, my wife Suzie always reminds me of reality.
LARRY TAN
He is a simple person with a deep knowledge of Tortoises despite being very quiet. His silence does not mean he is not generous in sharing.
It’s a plus that he is a close relative of mine: I can learn more from him through a quick chat every now and then. He lives in a city with limited space, but surprisingly, when I visited his place, all the spaces occupied by Tortoises were neatly maintained.
Currently, he is taking care of five Aldabras, five Leopards, two Radiated, two Sulcatas, two Redfoots, and two Cherry Heads.
SHELLED STARS
Tortoises are terrestrial reptiles belonging to the family Testudinidae. They are known for their distinctive hard shells, which provide protection from predators.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can determine a Tortoise’s origins just by looking at their shell color! The lighter the color, the warmer the place of origin.
7 TORTOISE TRIVIA
Have you ever confused Turtles as Tortoises in the past? Here’s your chance to get to know Tortoises a bit more.
Which of these seven facts do you find most interesting?
TORTOISES CAN FEEL THEIR SHELLS
Tortoise shells are made of two parts: the carapace (upper part) and the plastron (lower part).
The outer layer of their shell is made of horn, just like our nails. However, there are nerve endings under the horn, making them capable of feeling their shells. Touch the surface of your nails — the sensation you get may be similar to what they feel when their shells are being touched.
Because of this innervation under the horn layer of their shells, some Tortoises like it when their shells are stroked and brushed.
TORTOISE LEGS HAVE NO WEBBING
Tortoises have sturdy, column-like legs adapted for walking on land. Unlike their aquatic counterparts — Turtles — their limbs are not webbed.
THEY VARY GREATLY IN SIZE
Tortoises can be very small or very big — or anywhere in between.
The smallest species is the Speckled Tortoise, measuring 3-4 inches. The largest species, on the other hand, is the Galápagos Tortoise, measuring up to 59 inches.
THEY HAVE VARIOUS HABITATS
Tortoises are found in three major types of environments: deserts, grasslands, and forests.
TORTOISES PREFER VEGGIES
Tortoises are generally herbivores, feeding on a diet of grasses, leaves, fruits, and flowers.
THEY LIKE TO BURROW
Many Tortoises dig burrows to escape extreme temperatures and predators. (I use hay as a substrate for my Indian Star Tortoise.)
THEY MIGHT LIVE LONGER THAN YOU
Tortoises are known for their long lifespans. Some species can live well over 100 years!
TORTOISE COMPANIONS
Here are some notable species you might want to check out if you’re looking for a Tortoise companion.
AFRICAN TORTOISES
LEOPARD TORTOISE (Stigmochelys pardalis)
Origin: Sub-Saharan Africa
Characteristics: Large, with a distinctive shell pattern resembling a Leopard’s spots
AFRICAN SPURRED TORTOISE (Centrochelys sulcata)
Origin: Sahel region, Africa
Characteristics: One of the largest Tortoises; known for its rugged shell and spurred legs
ASIAN TORTOISES
INDIAN STAR TORTOISE (Geochelone elegans)
Origin: India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan
Characteristics: Star-patterned shell; small to medium size
ELONGATED TORTOISE(Indotestudo elongate)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Characteristics: Long, narrow shell and yellow-brown coloring
SOUTH AMERICAN TORTOISES
RED-FOOTED TORTOISE (Chelonoidis carbonarius)
Origin: Northern part of South America
Characteristics: Medium-sized, with distinctive red or orange scales on their limbs
YELLOW-FOOTED TORTOISE (Chelonoidis denticulatus)
Origin: Amazon Basin
Characteristics: Similar to the Red-Footed Tortoise but with yellow scales on the limbs
EUROPEAN TORTOISES
GREEK TORTOISE (Testudo graeca)
Origin: Mediterranean region
Characteristics: Highly variable in size and shell pattern; adapted to a variety of habitats
ISLAND TORTOISES
ALDABRA GIANT TORTOISE (Aldabrachelys gigantea)
Origin: Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles
Characteristics: One of the largest Tortoises, with a domed shell and long neck
MADAGASCAN TORTOISES
RADIATED TORTOISE (Astrochelys radiate)
Origin: Southern Madagascar
Characteristics: Highly attractive star-patterned shell; critically endangered
TORTOISES VERSUS TURTLES
Tortoises and Turtles are both Reptiles belonging to the order Testudines, but they have major differences such as:
KEEPING YOUR TORTOISE HAPPY
Here are a few things to remember if you want to care for a Tortoise at home.
FIND A REPTILE VET
Even though Tortoises are generally hardy, they need check-ups.
I previously wrote an article on my Tortoise’s near-death experience. (I had a really hard time finding a Reptile veterinarian, especially for Tortoises. Most veterinarians focus on Dogs, Cats, and birds.)
PLAN FOR THEIR LONG LIFE
If properly cared for, Tortoises will outlive you. Plan for that inevitability. Who will take care of them as lovingly as you do?
LEARN ABOUT TORTOISE-SPECIFIC DIETS
Commercial food alone is not enough for their overall health. Vegetables and occasional fruits take substantial time to store and prepare.
RESEARCH THE LEGALITIES
Even though it is now easy to adopt a Tortoise because of online technology, we need to acquire them with their legal documents, such as farm permits.
SET HEALTHY EXPECTATIONS
Tortoises are very special creatures who provide us with comfort, relaxation, and peace. They are great companions to spend time with in the busy world we live in.
However, do not expect Tortoises to provide you the same experience that other animal companions do. Entertaining humans is not a Tortoise’s job. Even if a Tortoise gives you lots of joy, that is only a bonus. I strongly advise aspiring Tortoise guardians to care for them without expecting anything in return.
For questions, please email [email protected]. “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:1-2 ESV
