Could you give a tortoise a home? asks the GSPCA
LOVING homes are needed for local tortoises.
The GSPCA has a number of resident tortoises, but also has between five and 10 tortoises in need of new forever homes.
GSPCA manager Steve Byrne owns two tortoises himself and said they were great pets.
‘They are real characters,’ he said.
‘They’re all completely different. Some come up to you. Some like their chin tickled. Some like dandelions. They are so individual.’
He said one of the shelter’s tortoises even had a party trick where he peed on whoever picked him up, although he has done this less as he got older.
Those needing to be rehomed are a mixture of hermann’s and spurred tortoises. They are mostly male, as they are more likely to escape during the breeding season.
‘They get quite active in the warm weather and they can be quite quick when they want to be,’ Mr Byrne said.
Many lost tortoises are returned to their owners, as their distinctive shells make them easy to identify. But not all owners come forward and the ones up for rehoming have been at the shelter for several months.
They are all older than five years, so do not need indoor vivariums. However, it can be hard to determine the age of some of them as neglect when they were younger affected their shell development.
Mr Byrne said ideally the shelter was looking for people who had owned tortoises before, with experience of their dietary requirements and care needs. The tortoises also need a secure outdoor enclosure.
Mr Byrne said all pet owners should consider what should happen to their pet after they die. But this was particularly important for tortoises, which can live up to 150 years.
Among the GSPCA’s resident tortoises is Hilda, who is in her mid-80s. She was left to the charity after her owner died.
She now goes on school visits, as tortoises do not usually run away quickly or bite, and children are not allergic. Mr Byrne said it was important for everyone to take their pet’s future into account.
n For more information about the tortoises call 01481 257261 or email admin@gspca.org.gg
