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. 

Polo is a bit more shy and prefers the warmth of the heat lamps in their enclosure. It must be maintained at 80 degrees, so imagine that electric bill!  His favorite foods are leafy green lettuces and Hibiscus blooms from Dr. Sue’s garden! Their dislikes are cold, cloudy weather and running out of romaine.

You may also notice sharp spikes in Polo’s shell. These are obvious marks of severe malnourishment over many years.  Unfortunately, this scenario 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.