Dolphin Research Center Adopts African Spurred Tortoises

Grassy Key… In keeping with their dedication to providing a home and care to animals in need, Dolphin Research Center (DRC) recently adopted two African spurred tortoises. The animals, named Ziggy and Speedy, lived for several years at a nearby resort, but the new resort owners did not feel they could adequately care for them and asked DRC to be their new home. Early Monday morning, DRC Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Mandy Rodriguez led a team of staff to the resort where they gently carried the tortoises, secured them in a truck, and transported them a mile to the center. Once there, the tortoises were placed in a newly constructed habitat that features plenty of room, shade from a tree and a tiki-covered hut, and a drinking pool. Apparently unfazed by the move and attention, the tortoises were extremely interested in eating and munched their way through three heads of Romaine lettuce, a large container of mixed greens, and other vegetation before exploring the rest of their habitat.

Ziggy, who is the larger of the two tortoises, will need surgery in a few weeks to remove two projections, called gular scutes, that are growing from the front of his shell alongside his neck. The projections impair his ability to turn his head. DRC will give the tortoise time to acclimate to its new home before scheduling the surgery.

African spurred tortoises (Sulcata tortoise) are the third largest tortoises in the world. When full grown they can weigh between 79 and 110 pounds, although a big male can weigh 200 pounds or  more. They are herbivores, eating grasses and succulents, even ordinary weeds. 

They also eat lettuce and some other vegetables. Tortoises like them are popular pets, but then many people find that they cannot continue to provide what the animals need as they grow larger. They can also live 80 to 100 years. The ages of these individuals are unknown and DRC is investigating methods to determine a reasonable “guesstimate”.

Founded in 1984, Dolphin Research Center is a nonprofit organization that is home to dolphins and sea lions and is open daily for the public to see narrated behavior sessions and educational presentations, and to participate in interactive programs. DRC is also the licensed Manatee Rescue Team for the Florida Keys. Located at 58901 (mile marker 59) Overseas Highway, Grassy Key, Florida, the center is funded by admission and program fees as well as by private donors and members. DRC is an accredited member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums. For more information, visit www.dolphins.org.

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