The Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is one of the most popular tortoise species in the world, thanks in large part to the species’ manageable size. Unlike sulcatas (Centrochelys sulcata), leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis), or other gigantic species, which present significant […]
If you’ve ever met a giant pet tortoise, there’s a very good chance it was a Sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata). The Sulcata, or African spurred, tortoise is the third-largest living tortoise species in the world. It’s only surpassed by the
The Sulcata or African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is the most popular ‘giant’ pet tortoise by a large margin. It is the largest species of tortoise in mainland Africa, measuring 18 to 30 inches long and weighing up to 100
The red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria) is a South American tortoise popular in the pet trade. This mid-sized tortoise can dwarf other domesticated species like the Russian tortoise but is nowhere near the size and weight of a ‘true’ giant like
The leopard tortoise (Stigmochelys pardalis) is the fourth-largest species of tortoise in the world. Adults can reach 2.5 feet in length and weigh around 30 pounds on average. Unsurprisingly they get their name from their unique and attractive shell markings.
It is clear that many animals – especially domestic animals like dogs and cats — live long, healthy, and happy lives as pets. But many people wonder if the same can be said of exotic, non-domesticated species, such as tortoises.
The Russian tortoise, or Horsfield’s tortoise, is one of the most popular species in the pet world. Russian tortoises are known for being active, friendly (at least for a reptile!), and highly adaptable to domestic life. Many tortoise enthusiasts opt
Slow-moving and unbothered by the world around them, giant tortoises are undeniably charming. I have my own childhood memories of the giant tortoise living at my local pet store—a creature that is probably still alive today. Social media has allowed
It’s sometimes easy to forget that a tortoise is an exotic pet. You may not need to walk a tortoise every day or change its litter box, but you’re still committing to daily care for, hopefully, many, many years to
Tortoises are renowned for their remarkable longevity. In fact, the Aldabra Giant tortoise has a reputation for being the longest-living land animal. Native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, these ancient creatures are known to live well over 100
