TUCSON, Ariz.-- Dozens of tortoises up for adoption by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, a few of them who have been rehabilitating after getting hit by moving cars.
AGFD officials say tortoises like "Charlie" and "Hook" are now recovered enough to be adopted into a loving home. Charlie's shell was damaged and Hook had to have his right foot amputated from his accident.
“Tortoises are amazingly resilient animals,” said Tegan Wolf, AZGFD Tortoise Adoption Program coordinator. “While the Arizona Game and Fish Department strives to keep wildlife wild, captive desert tortoises cannot be released into the wild because they may spread diseases to wild populations. Because of this, we place dozens of adoptable tortoises into homes to live out their lives as lovable loyal companions.”
In order to be eligible to adopt a tortoise, AZGFD says you'll need 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.
If you are interested you find an adoption application and packet with general information atwww.azgfd.gov/tortoise [email.robly.com].
