The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Tortoise The Pet Tree House - Where Pets Are Family Too : Tortoise
Showing posts with label Tortoise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tortoise. Show all posts

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Contaminated By An Unusual Pet


In China, the tortoise has traditionally been regarded as auspicious animal auguring good health and longevity. So several weeks after retiring from his job as a driving instructor, 58-year-old Li Xianming spent nearly 3,000 yuan ($490) to buy a rare, imported species as a talisman for his life ahead.

However, Li's tortoise did not bring him good health. Instead, it brought him a painful infection, after he scratched his finger while washing the tortoise's glass tank.

"At first, my right middle finger started feeling itchy. Then a lot of small red welts started appearing," said Li. "After that, I started to have welts all over the back of my hand. I was quite scared."

To read more on this story, click here: Contaminated By An Unusual Pet


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Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Turtles Can Make Great Pets, But Do Your Homework First


While turtles might seem like the perfect pet—less work than dogs and cats, more interactive than fish—there are a few things to keep in mind before buying one.

"They are definitely becoming more popular as pets. Some of them are very beautiful and they can be easily purchased over the internet. But there's no such thing as an easy pet," says Katrina Smith, adoptions coordinator for the Maryland-based Mid-Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society.

To read more on this story, click here: Turtles Can Make Great Pets, But Do Your Homework First



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Friday, September 25, 2020

Couple Wears Matching Outfits With Their Turtle 20 Pound Tortoise


There is something fun about coordinating outfits. But besides dressing up your spouse to match with you in a hashtagable way, wearing matching outfits with your pet makes you feel closer to them.

One couple is doing just that by twinning with their tortoise. 4-year-old Ethel is one stylish, 20-lb Sulcata tortoise thanks to her two owners, 33-year-old Kasey Kuchinski and 33-year-old Daniel Rodriguez. The trio lives in Sonoma, California.

To read more on this story, click here: Couple Wears Matching Outfits With Their Turtle 20 Pound Tortoise


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Monday, January 13, 2020

Galapagos Giant Tortoise Has So Much Sex He Retires After Saving His Species


Galapagos giant tortoise has so much sex he retires after saving his species originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

A Galapagos giant tortoise estimated to be about 130 years old is returning home after having so much sex that he saved his species.

Diego, part of the Chelonoidis hoodensis species that lives on the Galapagos island of Espanola, was one of the tortoises brought to the U.S. between 1928 and 1933 and was later placed into the Charles Darwin Research Station for protection after the species was declared critically endangered in the 1960s, according to the San Diego Zoo.

To read more on this story, click here: Galapagos Giant Tortoise Has So Much Sex He Retires After Saving His Species



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Friday, August 24, 2018

A Tortoise Named Jonathan is Believed to be the World’s Oldest Known Living Land Creature


A tortoise named Jonathan is believed to be the world’s oldest known living land creature and resides at an old plantation house in St. Helena. This village is located on one of the British Isle Territories out in the South Atlantic and has been home to the old tortoise since around 1882. Jonathan is just one part of the amazing world of animals which surround everyone on planet Earth.

There are so many striking, beautiful and wonderful creatures that cover the entire world. Several of them are able to flabbergast both scientists and the regular lay-person as well, especially when they happen to be this one such tortoise which probably started its life during the first part of the 19th century. The large home where Jonathan lives at St. Helena is the official residence of the British Territories Governor Mark Capes.

On this island, the tour guide and Jonathan’s chief caregiver, who is also a veterinarian, strikes against a huge bowl made out of metal. This causes Jonathan, Fredrika and Myrtle to approach closer. There are two other huge tortoises which decide to stay hidden in the shadows. It is explained that Jonathan, being the oldest of the five, is almost sightless from cataracts and does not have any sense of sense, yet he is able to hear very well. With him being the age of 182, that is an accomplishment in itself.

Jonathan comes from the rare tortoise breed known as Seychelles Giants . His fellow tortoises come from the Aldabra Island, which is located in the Indian Ocean. Aldabra Giants are believed to be numbered around the 100,000 mark, but there only just one tiny breeding population left of the Seychelles tortoises.

St Helena came into existence as a ferocious volcano, along with both Tristan du Cunha and Ascension in the Southern Atlantic. It is known for its seclusion and very closed off society. Back in the 17th century there was numerous slave trade victims who ended up dying on the sandy shores of St Helena. Napoleon also was put into exile there. Its residents, which are called Saints, all share this multifaceted past, and have the varied ethnic traits of Europeans, Africans, Chinese and Americans. It is really not known for sure just how Jonathan arrived in St. Helena in the first place.

During the 19th century, there were numerous ships traveling around that held over hundreds of easily stackable tortoises. In the Galapagos Islands only, there were believed to have been over 200,000 tortoises which had been trapped, killed and consumed during this time period. Jonathan was extremely lucky to have escaped such a grim fate.

He has lived through the passing of 33 different British Territory governors and no one wants to lose Jonathan while they are in the government seat. Mr. Capes definitely desires to see that Jonathan is treated well, given much respect, and all the care and attention he deserves he receives. One thing he enjoys tremendously is having his long neck rubbed. He is able to extend his head from out of his shell a decent length.

The tortoise makes a loud snapping sound in response for his food. He dines mostly on carrots, cabbage and his favorite which are bananas. He makes the loud noises because he has trouble in finding his food with his eye and nose troubles. He also enjoys scrapes at blades of grass with his horny beak. It is made out of keratin, just like human nails are.

The Seychelles species can reach up to weights of over 650 lbs. and may grow to be over four feet in length. Jonathan’s life has not over covered the 30+ British governors, but has also extended through the passing of eight British monarchs who reach from George IV down to Elizabeth II and also over 50 British prime ministers. If his age is truly correct and he is actually age 182, than that would mean he was around 10 years too young to have been able to meet Napoleon, who passed away in the year 1821

Because of his advancing age, Jonathan was starting to suffer from malnutrition. This was causing his beak to start to soften up and become blunt, which in turn, added to his feeding problems. He was also having problems with his head and neck. He was stuck in a Catch-22 of sorts.

However, now his caregivers have come up with a new feeding system.  Jonathan is delivered a full bucket of fresh vegetables and fruit each weekend as extra nutrition along with his regular meals. This added dietary boost has given Jonathan’s skin a new plump feel and it is soft.

One thing that is unfortunate about Jonathan’s mating trysts is that none of them ever produced any young tortoises. So it is fairly certain that he is the last of his line. Because of this, and even though giant tortoises from his species can survive for 250 years, the community of St. Helena has already set up a rough draft of his obituary for when he does finally pass away. The island wants everything to go smoothly when his death occurs.

There will no such thing as stuffing the old animal because everyone feels that would be very outdated and also morbid to do. Instead his shell will be well-preserved and will be put up on display in St Helena for everyone to see. The Saints also want to start a monetary fund in order to be able to create a true to life bronze statue of him. When the giant tortoise passes away, Jonathan will be deeply mourned by both friends and devotees on St. Helena and all over the entire world. The tortoise named Jonathan is believed to be the world’s oldest known living land creature.




The amazing animal is blind because of the cataracts and has no sense of smell. He has trouble finding food. Luckily, he can still hear pretty good. He is fed with fruits and vegetables, so he has no problems with malnutrition.

The tourists and inhabitants of the island of Saint Helena regard the old tortoise with respect and kindness. The authorities made plans about keeping Jonathan healthy, building a bronze statue, and even the procedures that should be undertaken after Jonathan will die.


Jonathan was brought on the island in 1882. He did not produce any offspring until now, but a giant tortoise can live up to 250 years.
Have a look at a video about the amazing tortoise Jonathan, the oldest living creature in the world:




Jonathan lives at the Plantation House with the governor of St Helena. He doesn’t reside at his awesome digs alone, he shares the property with a crew of 5 other tortoises. Without a doubt, Jonathan is the oldest of the pack.

Jonathan is still going strong, but he feels the effects of aging. His smell has started go, along with his eyesight. Surprisingly though, he hasn’t lost his libido and he is rather interested in the youngest female tortoise he lives with.

According to the the famous tortoise’s vet, Joe Hollins, this behavior is a good sign of more healthy years to come. As an active libido indicates health and a youthful spirit.




Those responsible for Jonathan don’t set these rules to be mean, instead, they only want to help Jonathan live a good long life. You can never be too careful considering he has already exceeded maximum life expectancy, especially considering Jonathan might be the last of his breed.









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Monday, October 23, 2017

Giant Tortoise, Nigrita, Gives Birth to 9 Hatchlings at the Zurich Zoo in Switzerland


At the Zurich Zoo in Switzerland resides an 80-year-old tortoise named Nigrita who had 9 little hatchlings over 8 months ago. Some would say that’s quite old to have a baby, but for tortoises, it’s just the opposite!

Giant tortoises are said to be one of the longest-living vertebrates on earth, with a life expectancy of over 100 years. The oldest tortoise was recorded to be 152-years-old. Now that’s impressive!

According to National Geographic, tortoises live a long life because they have a slow metabolism and large internal stores of water, allowing them to live up to a year without food or water. Tortoises nap for up to 16 hours a day, sunbathe at their leisure and enjoy a diet of grasses, leaves, and other leafy greens.

Unfortunately, these amazing creatures are on the list of endangered species. They were hunted as food by pirates, whalers, and merchantmen during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries where up to 100,000 tortoises were killed for their meat. Plus, feral animals are a threat to their food supply as well as their eggs.

Nigrita, her 54-year-old mate Jumbo, and the 9 babies are kept safe at the Zurich Zoo, where they are part of a breeding program that is designed to protect the species from extinction. These remarkable creatures even have a chance of living until the year 2216. That’s longer than any of us mortals can say! It’s quite a miraculous feat to live an extensive, slow, and relaxing life.

When born, tortoises weigh between 4 and 5 ounces, and when they are fully grown, both male and female tortoises can weigh up to 400 and 700 pounds.





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Sunday, November 13, 2016

The World's Oldest Living Animal Get His First Bath at 184-Years-Old


The world's oldest living animal is starting over with a clean sheet at 184 years old - after a vet gave him his first ever bath.

Jonathan the giant tortoise has come out of his shell after centuries of grime were painstakingly scrubbed off his back with a loofah, soft brush and surgical soap.

Dr. Joe Hollins, the vet for the British Outpost of St. Helena in the south Atlantic where Jonathan lives, decided to give him a spruce up ahead of a royal visit in a few weeks' time.

He carefully scrubbed each of the segments of Jonathan's shell, known as scutes, and removed black sludge and bird droppings while the tortoise sedately chewed on grass.

Surgical soap was chosen as it is not caustic and soft brushes and a loofah were gently used to avoid damage to his shell.

After his bath Dr. Hollins noticed that the rings on his shell were completely worn away. These rings are used to tell the tortoises’ age.

There was no medical reason for his hour-long soak. They were expecting a visit in May, by an unknown royal for the dedication of a new airport on the tiny island of St. Helena.

The spring clean comes months after Jonathan, who was aged 50 when he arrived on the historic isle in 1882, was placed on a special high calorie diet as it was feared that his health was declining.

Dr. Hollins, believes it is Jonathan's first ever bath.

He said, “In the past Jonathan's keepers had a rather laid back attitude to the tortoises on St. Helena, and this is probably his first bath he’s had in 184 years.

He looks so much cleaner and he seemed to enjoy the whole experience.

He stood like a statue when I was washing him, I don't know if it was the vibrations that he found so soothing, or if he was thinking "at last, I've had my first bath!"

“I used water, surgical scrub, loofah and a little brush to slowly cleaned him.

He doesn't look any younger, but he does look different. He is much paler and you can see the rings on his shell have almost completely disappeared.
He had black deposits on his shell that came from wear and tear. As far as I could see his shell is in great condition for his age.”

Hopefully he won't have to wait another 185 years before his next bath!
Jonathan, is 45ins long and stands about 2 feet tall, arrived on St. Helena as a gift to the governor from the Seychelles.”

In his time on St. Helena he has seen 28 British governors come and go. Eight British monarchs from George IV to Elizabeth II have been crowned during his lifetime, and 51 British Prime Ministers have served at 10 Downing Street.

Private tours were arranged in the past for visitors to meet Jonathan around the Governor's house.

He currently shares his enclosure with four other giant tortoises - David, Emma, Frederika and Myrtle.

Although he has lost his sense of smell and his eyesight is fading, Jonathan is said to be in good health.

Dr. Hollins, will now start cleaning some of the other tortoises, and some of them are dirtier than Jonathan.

Following the death of Harriet, a 175-year-old giant Galapagos Land tortoise, in 2005 in Australia, Jonathan has been recognized as the world's oldest living land animal.

St. Helena was chosen as the place of Emperor Napoleon's second exile and the French dictator died there in 1821.

You may be interested in reading: A Tortoise Named Jonathan is Believed to be the World’s Oldest Known Living Land Creature

















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Sunday, October 23, 2016

Screwworm Infecting Key Deer Also Found in Some Sick Pets


It’s not just the Key deer being ravaged by a flesh-eating worm in the Florida Keys. Pets are also starting to turn up with gruesome infections.

While wildlife managers have focused largely on the endangered herd and the 107 deer killed since August, vets say they have treated at least nine suspected cases in dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs and a tortoise. Two feral cats had to be euthanized, said Marathon Veterinary Hospital’s Doug Mader. Those numbers are higher than the three reported by the Florida Department of Agriculture, which only counts cases confirmed in lab tests, largely because of the confirmation process.

“That’s the tough part about this whole thing. You look at them and it walks like a duck, but you have to have confirmation that it’s a duck,” said Keys Animal Hospital veterinarian Kyle Maddox, who treated an infected dog earlier this month.

The discrepancy in numbers, and expanded war on the screwworm that now covers eight islands and this week drew a new team of volunteers fanning out with medicated bread to feed deer, has only increased anxiety among pet owners. Vets, however, stress the risk to pets remains far lower than the peril posed to the wild deer.

To read more on this story, click here: Screwworm Infecting Key Deer Also Found in Some Sick Pets


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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Mutilated Animal Carcasses Found Around Sacramento, California


It started when someone left a 120-pound cow head in a park.

At first, investigators in Sacramento wondered if that someone was a hunter, one who had accidentally left something behind. Then another cow head appeared nearby not long after, followed over the next few months by a series of gruesome packages containing dead goats, chickens, rats, fish, lambs and even a tortoise, according to the Sacramento Bee.

In most cases, the carcasses being left around California’s capital city are headless, but strangely blood free, aside from one instance in which a package contained bowls of what was described as “bloody oatmeal,” the Bee reported.

Since the first cow head was discovered in December, authorities have logged at least a dozen instances of mutilated animals being found around the city, often near train tracks, according to NBC affiliate KCRA.

The killings almost always involve livestock, and never cats and dogs, investigators say.


In March, the Humane Society offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the mutilations.

“These animals were mutilated and killed for no apparent reason and discarded as though they were trash,” the Humane Society’s Eric Sakach said at the time. “We are hopeful that this reward will bring forward anyone with information about these disturbing crimes.”

But more than six months after the killings began, authorities say they still don’t know who, or what, they’re dealing with.

Gina Knepp, a spokeswoman for the Sacramento Department of Animal Control, told Reuters that some packages have included bloody dollar bills, oil and seeds that are known to be used in some Afro-Caribbean religions.

And yet, she admits, investigators are stumped.

“It’s bizarre,” Knepp said. “We don’t know if it’s religion; we don’t know if we have a sick individual in our community that simply likes to cut the heads off animals and dump them where people can see them.”

On Monday, the city released surveillance footage that appears to show a woman dropping off bags that included a beheaded goat carcass, as well as red hens, a rat and a catfish.

The woman, who struggled with the weight of the object, can be seen getting out of a white van and dropping off the packages before getting back into the vehicle less than a minute later and driving away.
  


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Saturday, May 30, 2015

After Spending Months Indoors to Keep Warm, 100-Year-Old Tortoise is Finally Able to Have His Day in the Sun


The 100-year-old, 450-pound Galapagos tortoise at the Toledo Zoo was moved from the Ziems Conservatory to his new home with an enviable view at the rear of the formal gardens.

But his neighbors, the gorillas, might be a tad on the noisy side at times.

No matter: Emerson has a “mud wallow” area where he can go when he needs to relax or cool down, said R. Andrew Odum, the Assistant Director of Animal Programs and Curator of Herpetology at the zoo.

The big move started early on Tuesday, when Emerson was lured from his winter home in the conservatory with a carrot by Hannah Gerritsen, a herpetology keeper — who let him have an occasional nibble so he’d move forward a few inches at a time.

Once he was coaxed outdoors into the warm sun, Emerson was lifted onto a makeshift dolly by four men.

“He is not light,” one of the men said.

As they wheeled Emerson, he used his front left foot like a paddle, as if helping to propel himself. Before reaching his destination, he had to be adjusted several times.

It seemed as if he might have preferred to walk. But zoo officials might still be out there if they had let him do that. He doesn’t move swiftly, to say the least.

His new enclosure is blocked off from the public by a low fence of wooden posts and rope, over which visitors can easily see him.

A zoo employee will be at the Galapagos Garden to make sure that no visitors climb the rope and slip through the fence. The bodyguard can explain what Emerson is up to, Odum said.

After being in his new space for just moments, Emerson had drawn a crowd.

Willah Hoeleze watched with 9-year-old friends, Elin Fields, Anna Ellingson and Maddie Heben.

Willah guessed that Emerson weighs “900 trillion pounds,” then settled on a more reasonable 1 million pounds.

“I think he’s really cool and slow,” she said.

The girls agreed that their favorite thing about Emerson is his neck.

“I like how it stretches out,” Elin said.

They were most impressed with his age, though.

“He’s older than Nana,” Elin noted.
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Saturday, April 25, 2015

For the First Time in 100 Years, Baby Pinzón Giant Tortoises Have Hatched on the Galapagos Islands


For the first time in 100 years, baby Pinzón giant tortoises have hatched on the Galapagos Islands. Their births represent a small step forward for the vulnerable species.

On an expedition to Pinzón Island in 1970, scientists found only 19 adult tortoises. Conservationists transferred those tortoises to Santa Cruz Island, where they began a captive breeding program, before returning the young tortoises back to Pinzón Island.

Forty-four years after the expedition, a group of conservationists discovered six young Pinzón hatchlings on Pinzón Island in December.

Dr. James Gibbs, one of the conservationists who visited Pinzón in December, tells Mashable: "This discovery is testament to the dedication and hard work of the Galapagos National Park Service over the last 40 years in rescuing several tortoise species from the point of extinction and putting them back on the path to a strong, albeit slow but steady, recovery."

Danny Rueda, who manages conservation and restoration of ecosystems in the Galapagos, told the Associated Press that there are currently 650 juvenile and adult tortoises on the island.

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Saturday, March 7, 2015

Do You Know What The Best Pet Reptiles Are For Children?


Picture of a boy with iguana
Reptiles can make great pets for children, provided the right approach is taken.

Many people buying reptiles, especially kids, can get so caught up in the “coolness factor” of the animals that they surrender to impulse buying, which is when an animal is purchased without any real thought as to its suitability as a pet for that particular person — not just now but in the future, too.

Many reptiles can live a long time. Will your 12-year-old still want that tortoise when he or she (the kid, not the tortoise) is 20 years old? How about 50 years old? Tortoises are famous for being long-lived, but many herps can live longer than 10 years.

Cute baby reptiles can get big. Visit an animal rescue and ask how often they take in green iguanas, large constrictor snakes or African spurred tortoises. Additional reptiles, such as most monitors, tegus,red-eared sliders and others, may outgrow enclosures that were fine for them as babies but are no longer.

Will the animal get the proper care? Proper husbandry is a must for any animal whether it’s scaly, furry or feathery. Knowing how long animals will live and how big they get is important, but a herp’s specific care requirements should be researched, and determined realistic for a youngster to provide, before it is brought home.

The good news is not all reptiles are very demanding pets. This is one huge reason why some make great pets for children. Read on, and you’ll find there are seven other reasons why reptiles make great pets for young people.

1. Reptiles are “Low-Maintenance” Pets.
Pets such as dogs and cats, though beloved by millions, require a lot of attention. Reptiles don’t.

For one thing, pet reptiles don’t need to be fed every day. Every other day is fine, and some don’t even need to be fed that much. Although not recommended for children, huge pythons have been known to go a year without eating. I would never recommend that a pet snake be fed only once a year, but only feeding them a couple times a week is fine.

When discussing pets, the issues of hair and the maintenance that goes along with it often come up. Reptiles don't need to be groomed.

Another facet of a reptile’s low-maintenance reputation is in regard to the animal’s need for owner interaction. This is aside from what’s required for general health, such as feeding and cleaning. Reptiles need both, like any pet.

Reptiles don’t crave affection from their owners. Although many accept handling, most are simply tolerating it. Some may actually enjoy being handled, and many reptile owners say their pets love being held. The bottom line, though, is that reptiles are also content to be left alone.
   
2. Reptiles Don’t Require Much Space
You already know how large a reptile gets is an important nugget of knowledge to possess. Some can get very big. African spurred tortoise hatchlings, for instance, are the essence of cute when you see them marching around their enclosures like little tanks. But over the years those cute little tortoises turn into behemoths. Granted, the adults could still be considered cute, but I’m not sure how cute you will think they are if one has burrowed into your backyard and unearthed your entire sprinkler system.

The reptile species recommended for children remain a manageable size and will not require a room-sized enclosure. Most will do fine in a 20-gallon terrarium or enclosure of similar dimensions: approximately 3 feet long and 1½ feet wide. Some, such as a single crested or leopard gecko, or a kingsnake, could even be kept in a 10-gallon terrarium. Turtles and tortoises will need more space. The leopard tortoise, for instance, can grow to about 20 inches in length and weigh 30 pounds; it will eventually need a pen in which to roam.

Yet the space a reptile requires for exercise is meager compared to some pets. The space within their enclosures is all they require.

3. Reptiles are Easy to Feed
Insects and rodents are readily available. Plus, some reptiles from my list such as bearded dragons and tortoises eat fruits and veggies. There are commercial diets for reptiles, too.

If you keep one of the snakes on the list but don’t like the idea of feeding it live mice or rats, there is an alternative: frozen rodents. They are widely available. Just remember to thaw them before offering them to your snake, and don’t use the microwave, or things could get gross. You can use hot water to thaw them. You may have to jiggle them a bit using long forceps to get the snake to strike.

One argument for feeding frozen rodents rather than living ones is that live rodents can bite snakes or harbor parasites that may harm the pets. Such parasites die during the freezing process.

Many hobbyists prefer to feed live rodents to their snakes. Many find a snake’s feeding behavior interesting to watch. When feeding live rodents, though, never leave one in a snake enclosure unattended, especially overnight. A live mouse or rat could gnaw on your snake and cause it severe injury.

When it comes to lizards, turtles and tortoises, a variety of commercially prepared diets are available. These are manufactured with the animals’ nutrition requirements in mind. Although they could be considered complete diets, it’s a good idea to vary your pet’s menu. For example, owners of bearded dragons could offer crickets one day, a salad the next and then a commercial diet.

To make herp food healthier for your pets, you often want to add a calcium, vitamin and/or mineral supplement. Usually in powder form, these supplements can be applied to insects. Place bugs in a plastic bag with some of the supplement, inflate the bag with air, and shake it up and down until the insects are coated with the power. Then offer them to your lizard. Powder can also be sprinkled onto veggies and fruits.

4. Keeping Reptiles Provides a Lesson in Responsibility.
Being fairly “low-impact” animals, reptiles are better candidates to teach youngsters how to care for a pet than more high-maintenance animals. They are less likely to suffer the consequences of neglect as quickly as other pets.

No pet should suffer neglect, but children are known to occasionally forget to feed pets or clean their cages. Reptiles hold up to this sort of situation better than other pets. Of course, if the situation continues for too long, it’s not healthy for the reptile either. At that point the parent may have to step in, but the basic principle holds true: reptile care is not as much of a chore as caring for other types of pets.

If a feeding is missed or other care requirement temporarily neglected, parents can discuss with their children how important it is to care for the reptile properly and correct the behavior accordingly. In the meantime, the reptile likely is none the worse for wear (unless the neglect is allowed to go on for too long — and nobody should let that happen).

5. Reptiles Foster Interest in the Natural World.
Reptiles are more exotic than other pets, which is a large part of their appeal. This is also the reason many television nature shows on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel focus on reptiles. Nature shows are often children’s first exposure to reptiles and can provide the motivation for their wanting to own some.

6. Reptiles Don’t Pose Much Risk of Personal Injury.
Sure, a pet reptile can bite. However, a bite from any of the reptiles on my list would be pretty inconsequential.

Deep within the souls of some people there’s something that recoils at the thought of a snakebite. It’s true that some snakes can deliver an impressive bite. Reticulated pythons have large fangs, and the bite of a venomous snake, of course, should definitely be avoided. But these snakes are not for kids or beginners.

A bite from more kid-friendly snakes, such as corn snakes, ball pythons or California kingsnakes, are minor wounds. These snakebites typically consist of a lightning-quick jab followed by a pinprick-sized bead of blood (or two) at the bite site. No pain is typically involved. I’m sure some particularly enthusiastic biters could inflict pain, but kid-friendly snakes are not known to be in that league.

All animals can be unpredictable at times, but the chance of a Russian tortoise, leopard gecko or other animal on my recommended species list inflicting serious injury is pretty much zero.

7. Reptiles are Quiet.
Reptiles don’t make as much noise as other pets; they certainly don’t bark or yowl.

It’s true that some geckos may emit slight barking noises, and frogs can make a variety of sounds. But for the most part, reptiles are a quiet bunch. They aren’t likely to disturb housemates or neighbors.

Hamsters, rats and other rodents also can be quiet, but often they are nocturnal. If they’re kept in kids’ rooms, their nighttime activities and noises could distract children from falling to sleep.

8. Reptiles appeal to kids and many adults. It’s their exotic, some people consider it almost alien  demeanor and appearance. They never cease to fascinate.

There are plenty of reasons for youngsters to keep reptiles, and there are plenty of reptiles that make great pets. So the next time kids ask for a boa constrictor, instead of flat-out saying, “No,” maybe parents could say, “How about a corn snake instead?”

And to any young people thinking about hitting up their parents for a pet reptile, remember this: Do your research first, and ask only for a pet you know you can care for properly. If you don’t do that, you and the reptile could end up having bad experiences. If you see a reptile you like, read about it, learn all you can, and then approach your parents. Tell them why you think that reptile is perfect for you, and perhaps they’ll agree.

12 suitable pet reptiles for kids:


  • bearded dragon
  • leopard gecko
  • crested gecko
  • corn snake
  • ball python
  • California kingsnake
  • red-footed tortoise
  • Russian tortoise
  • leopard tortoise
  • red-eared slider
  • painted turtle
  • common musk turtle

Captive Bred Is Always Best
Young hobbyists starting out in reptiles should be given the best chance of success, and captive-bred animals provide just that. Many species described in this article are widely bred in captivity, so buying a captive-bred pet should not be difficult. Captive-bred animals are already acclimated to captivity. They won’t stress out as much as a wild reptile that’s been captured and shipped. Many of these can become fine pets, but others harbor illnesses that might not be apparent at first. Such health issues are less likely in captive-bred reptiles.

Resist the Impulse
If you see a really cool reptile at a pet store, resist buying it unless you already know you can take care of it long term. If you are unfamiliar with the animal, go home and do some research first. Get the pet later. It’s better to do it this way than to buy the reptile first, take it home, and then find out it will eventually weigh 100 pounds. Impulse buying leads to trouble. Learn before you buy!

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Sunday, August 3, 2014

Police Spotted a 150 Pound Giant Tortoise Strolling Down a Street in Suburban Los Angeles


Alhambra, Calif. –  At least officers didn't have to issue a speeding ticket when they spotted a giant tortoise ambling down a street suburban Los Angeles.

The Alhambra Police Department joked on its Facebook page that the 150-pound reptile was captured Saturday afternoon after a brief pursuit.

"The tortoise did try to make a run for it; but, our officers are pretty fast," the post said.

It took two officers to heft the hard-shelled creature into a patrol car. They then took the reptile to the local police station before turning it over to animal control authorities.

Giant tortoises are not indigenous to the Los Angeles area.

Police are asking anyone with a big tortoise that went missing this weekend to contact them. They aren't sure if this one escaped or was abandoned by its owner.

Police say this particular reptile has some distinctive markings. They aren't revealing them for the time being, however, to ensure that whoever claims the tortoise is its rightful owner.

Update: From Alhambra Police Department's Facebook Page:

The tortoise is actually named "Dirk." He has been reunited with his human family who actually live in Alhambra. According to 21310 of the Penal Code, it is illegal to possess a "dirk."

We enjoy keeping families together, so an exception was made in this case.

We stand corrected and have edited this post at 4:30 p.m. The tortoises' confirmed name is CLARK. Thank you Alhambra partners and FB friends! Until next time.



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Friday, July 25, 2014

Baby Alligator Escapes Zoo And Accomplice Was The Tortoise, Gator Still On The Run In Michigan


A baby alligator named Carlos has pulled of the zoo version of the greatest escape with the help of a local tortoise. GarLyn Zoo officials believe they know how the little gator managed to pull off its caper but the animal is still on the loose in Michigan’s upper peninsula.

In a related report by The Inquisitr, gators are not just escapees, they can be the good guys, too. One car thief found himself thwarted by an alligator in Florida. Still, they are known to be a touchy lot. One guy was caught on video trying to move an alligator out of the road, and that went about as you would expect.

GarLyn Zoo is home to about 100 animals, including two adult alligators and little baby Carlos, who has only been with the zoo for a few months. The reason the alligator escaped the zoo was because the 12-inch little guy was being housed in a pond with turtles, which has a fence with one-inch openings. Manager Gary Moore says a large tortoise has a tendency to wear the dirt away from the bottom of the fence when it makes its rounds of its cage. They believe a hole was opened up that was large enough for the baby gator to escape.

Carlos is the first escapee in the 21 years the zoo has been in operation. In fact, Moore did not even notice his gator was missing until a state trooper visited him and told stories of witnesses seeing a young alligator ambling along U.S. 2:

“I’m asking people that if they see a little alligator holding a sign on U.S. 2 that says, ‘Florida or bust’ to call us.”

Unfortunately, while the situation sounds kind of funny, it’s actually quite serious for the baby alligator. Moore does not believe Carlos will survive in the wild past October and are hoping people will help find and recover him. Although the gator is said to pose little threat to humans since he only stands about an inch and half tall, Moore recommends not touching the alligator and they ask people to call GarLyn Zoo at 906-477-1085 or contact the police.

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