200 Desert Tortoises Up for Arizona Adoption Program

There are up to 200 desert tortoises available in the adoption program, all of different ages and sizes. The Arizona Game and Fish Department believes that illegal breeding is primarily to blame for the population growth.

Officials cautioned that although it is a common misconception, captive tortoises cannot be released into the wild because they could infect other wildlife with diseases. Captive tortoises can grow to be about 14 inches long and can live for up to a century.

Tegan Wolf, a coordinator for the AZGFD desert tortoise adoption program stated that even though many people wouldn't even think about keeping desert tortoises as pets, they make wonderful and lovable companions.

To protect the tortoise from potential dangers like fire pits, pools, or other animals, adopters must have a securely enclosed yard or build an enclosure or a burrow.

Only one tortoise can be adopted by each person. An additional tortoise of the same sex can be adopted if it is kept in a separate shelter or burrow. The enclosure must have a shelter to allow the tortoise to escape the summer heat and a place to brumate during the winter.

These tortoises cannot be transported across state lines, and breeding them is prohibited by federal law.

According to Wolf, a female tortoise can give birth to more than 800 young during her lifetime if she lives to be 80 years old.

Wolf continues by emphasizing how crucial it is to make sure the tortoises are not only housed properly but also have responsible owners.

Arizona Game and Fish Department Order 43

Every year, hundreds of captive desert tortoises are turned over to the Arizona Game and Fish Department for adoption. Because captive tortoises can spread diseases that could wipe out our wild population, these tortoises cannot be released back into the wild. Families can learn to appreciate desert wildlife by taking care of a tortoise and observing its natural behavior, even though desert tortoises are unusual pets and fascinating animals.

According to state law, desert tortoises can only be adopted by people who are bonafide residents of Arizona.

There can only be one desert tortoise in each household, according to Arizona Game and Fish Commission Order 43. Furthermore, breeding desert tortoises is prohibited by AZGFD Rule (R12-4-407). Since they brumate only during the cooler months, most people only adopt turtles from April 1 to September 30.

Desert Tortoise Care

Adopters should also take into account that healthy tortoises can live up to 80-100 years. A long-term plan should be in place, such as a will or other succession plan, as the tortoise may outlive its adoptive family.

Contacting Desert Tortoise Adoption Program is advised for anyone looking to place their pet tortoise up for adoption. The team will provide both the previous and new owners with the necessary support.

If a person comes across a desert tortoise while they are in a "wild" area, it is likely that the turtle is wild and is simply going about its life. The conservation team requests people to leave the turtle alone and let it be. It is advised to get in touch with the team if the turtle is hurt.

The tortoise must be given back to the Desert Tortoise Adoption Program team if the tortoise caretaker dies without a succession plan.