Small Tortoises

The turtles in this enclosure were illegal pets and kept in inadequate living conditions. Many of these turtles have deformed shells which pose a threat to their safety if released into the wild. 

Learn more from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/freshwater-turtles/box-turtles/

A gopher tortoise's life centers around its burrow. These tortoises spend up to 80% of their time in these underground shelters. On average, their burrows measure 15 feet in length and can be 6.5 feet in depth, but occasionally burrows reach up to 40 feet in length and 10 feet deep.

This gopher tortoise was found by someone and eventually it was brought to our facility. It is illegal to relocate gopher tortoises without a permit. Gopher tortoises that are rehabilitated in our hospital are always returned to their previous location. A gopher tortoise whose home is unknown is called a waif tortoise and it must be placed in a specially designated waif site. 

Learn more from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/profiles/reptiles/gopher-tortoise/

There is also a non-native Russian tortoise in this enclosure. These tortoises are native to arid regions of Central Asia, including parts of Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Russian tortoises utilize burrows to escape extreme temperatures and predators.

This tortoise was a surrendered pet.