Ever thought about owning a desert tortoise as a pet? The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) says it's not only allowed, it's encouraged.
In a video posted to Facebook, the AZGFD says adopting a captive desert tortoise can help save the animal's life, and avoid disrupting the delicate ecosystem of wild tortoises in the region.
Be warned: caring for a tortoise requires a significant amount of responsibility. Owners have to construct a proper enclosure with a shelter, monitor the animal's diet and keep its health up to date.
Beyond that, AZGFD says the animals live for 80 to 100 years, often outliving their owners. That means potential tortoise caregivers have to have a long-term plan in place for the animal.
For more information on tortoise adoption, visit the AZGFD online.
