Waltham Tortoise Finds New Home After Owner Dies Of Coronavirus

WALTHAM, MA — The middle-aged tortoise from Waltham whose owner died because of the coronavirus, Ms. Jennifer, has been adopted, the MSPCA told Patch, after more than 3,000 people emailed or called to ask about her.

The owner a resident of downtown Boston, who prefers to remain anonymous, is a "bona fide turtle expert," according to David Halpin of the MSPCA.

"We're so grateful to them for opening their heart and home to this amazing animal," the organization posted to Twitter. "We appreciate every single inquiry, even if we're unable to respond to everyone. THANK YOU for your well wishes for Ms. Jennifer!"

Read more: 53-Year-Old Waltham Tortoise Homeless After Owner Dies Of Coronavirus

According to the adoption center, the tortoise was the 10th animal to be surrendered to the MSPCA in Boston as a result of the pandemic.

Originally, the center officials were concerned about finding a perfect home for the well-cared for animal, but after the thousands of inquiries about her, Ms. Jennifer became one of the most popular animals the shelter has ever housed, Halpin told Patch.

At just four pounds, Ms. Jennifer is about the size of a large dinner plate—tortoises grow very large in the wild but tend to stay small when raised in smaller homes. And even though she's 53—and may be the oldest ever adoptable animal the MSPCA has ever cared for—she's only just reached middle age, as tortoises routinely live upward of 100 years, according to MSPCA officials.

If you or someone you know is interested in adopting an animal (anything from cats to parakeets to dogs to pot-bellied pigs) from the adoption center email head to the adoption center web page and email adoption@mspca.org for more information

Read more:

53-Year-Old Waltham Tortoise Homeless After Owner Dies Of Coronavirus

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).Have a press release you'd like posted on the Waltham Patch? Here's how to post a press release, opinion piece.