Over 100 desert tortoises up for adoption at Arizona Game and Fish Department

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Are you looking to “shell-ebrate” Spring with a new friend?

Over 100 desert tortoises at the Arizona Game and Fish Department need a forever home. AZGFD says the reptiles will soon wake up from brumation, which is similar to hibernation, and this is the perfect time for future tortoise owners to submit an adoption application.

Every year, AZGFD cares for hundreds of desert tortoises that have been turned into the state or abandoned due to illegal breeding.

It’s unsafe for these reptiles to be released back into the wild, as they may carry respiratory infections that can harm the wild population. Therefore, they are now seeking a home where they can happily crawl around and burrow in.

Desert tortoises are low maintenance reptiles that require a plant diet. They enjoy grasses... — Desert tortoises are low maintenance reptiles that require a plant diet. They enjoy grasses and flowers.(Arizona Game and Fish Department)

“Desert tortoises offer longtime companionship without the drama,” said Tegan Wolf, Desert Tortoise Adoption Program coordinator. “Tortoises are affectionate and low maintenance. They enjoy healthy greens, exploring the outdoors, and visiting with their companions.”

To learn more about how to adopt a tortoise, click/tap here.

How to care for a desert tortoise

Build A Burrow

Desert tortoises need to spend time outdoors
They require a burrow to protect themselves from Arizona’s extreme heat
AZGFD advises building your tortoise’s burrow before applying for the adoption

Desert tortoises require a burrow to protect themselves from Arizona’s extreme heat(Arizona Game and Fish Department)

When you adopt a tortoise, you are getting a lifelong companion

Desert tortoises can live anywhere from 80 to 100 years
Families may have a tortoise for multiple generations
These reptiles are often included in estate planning and wills

Plant-powered Food

Desert tortoises eat a variety of plants, including grasses, leafy plants and flowers

Protected By Arizona

These shelled friends are state-protected and cannot be taken out of Arizona. Although not endangered, they do face threats like habitat loss and development

To learn more about caring for a desert tortoise, click/tap here.

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