Marco and Polo are African Sulcata Tortoises who joined the ranch in 2023. We partnered with a fantastic local rescue, Country Tortoise Rescue and Farm, to provide these two 22-year-old brothers their final home. They had been kept for years as “backyard pets,” which is not how their nature is intended. Their previous owner was elderly and had recently passed; the family had no resources to continue their care and surrendered them. Because tortoises are insular by nature, it is highly unusual for them, especially males, to form a family unit.
Marco is the larger of the two, eating the lion’s share! You’re more likely to see him out meandering through their yard, and he might even come right up to you! They are friendly, but you should also watch out for those jaws!
The Sulcata
Unfortunately, the scenario just described happens a lot. Sulcata tortoises can live more than 100 years, so it is common for them to outlive their owners, with no arrangements for their continued care. Further, most people are not prepared for the needs of these large reptiles, including a proper diet and temperature controlled environment. Marco and Polo were significantly malnourished when they came to us and still need special diet and care.
The Sulcata African Spurred Tortoise is an endangered species, typically inhabiting the southern edge of the African Sahara Desert. It is the largest mainland species of tortoise in the world. It is the only living species of its genus, Centrachelys, with the five other species in the family already extinct.
Did you know?
Tortoises have existed for around 220 to 300 million years, making them older than dinosaurs! One theory of survival is the tortoise’s ability to hibernate, allowing the tortoise to survive the dark winter after a meteor strike.
Charles Darwin and Steve Irwin took care of the same tortoise! Yes! It was Harriet (c. 1830-2006), a Galapagos tortoise who was approximately 175 years at the time of her death in Australia.
Tortoises have two skeletons! The exoskeleton is external and supports and protects the body. The endoskeleton, internal, made up of carapace and plastron (bony plates). Which gives the inside structure and support. A “bridge” fuses the pieces together.
Tortoises can feel. Yes! They have nerve endings in their shell so they can feel when touched there. If you touch a tortoise, start slow and always be easy. Never knock or hit its shell.
Tortoises can’t swim. Unlike aquatic turtles, tortoises adapted to live on land. With short legs and heavy shells, they simply aren’t designed to glide through the water.