Dozens Of Rescued Tortoises Available For Adoption In Tucson

TUCSON, AZ — It's been a tough road for Charlie and Hook, a pair of tortoises who've been nursed back to life with some help from Arizona Game and Fish.

When a driver struck the animals, Charlie's shell was badly damaged. Hook had to have his right foot amputated.

Staff with Arizona Game and Fish's Tortoise Adoption Program helped the two and dozens of others heal. Now, they're looking to be placed into a loving home.

Tegan Wolf, a coordinator with the adoption program, says the tortoise species is a resilient one, but those looking to adopt must meet certain requirements.

A potential tortoise owner needs to have a securely enclosed yard or separate enclosure in their yard, free from potential hazards such as a dog, fire pit or unfenced pool. The enclosed area must include an appropriate shelter for the tortoise to escape Arizona’s extreme summer and winter temperatures.

Under state law, desert tortoises are available for adoption for Arizona residents only. Tortoises are typically only adopted from April 1 to Sept. 30 because they hibernate during the cooler months.

Game and Fish tells all would-be adopters to consider that a typical tortoise lifespan. Because healthy tortoises can live upwards of 80-100 years, owners should have a long-term plan in place and consider listing the animal in a will.

More information on how to care for a desert tortoise:

• Captive desert tortoise cold weather care
• Proper desert tortoise diet
• Desert tortoise health and illnesses
• Constructing a desert tortoise shelter

Those interested can fill out an applicationon the Arizona Game and Fish website.

• Captive desert tortoise cold weather care
• Proper desert tortoise diet
• Desert tortoise health and illnesses
• Constructing a desert tortoise shelter

• Review the Desert Tortoise Adoption Guide
• Fill out the Desert Tortoise Adoption Application
• E-mail the completed application and photos of the tortoise’s constructed habitat to: TAP@azgfd.gov or mail it to TAP 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.
• Questions? Contact the Desert Tortoise Adoption Hotline 844 896-5730.