August 14, 2013

Our New Edition


Meet Harold.



Harold is our new edition to our little family. He is a Sulcata Tortoise. Also called the African spurred tortoise or African spur thigh tortoise (Geochelone sulcata). He is part of the third largest tortoise species in the world!


We picked him up yesterday. Currently he measures 2 1/4 inches in length and 2 inches in width and he fits in the palm of my hand. This is pretty incredible considering that one day he could reach 24 to 36 in long (60–90 cm) and can weigh 100-200 lb (45 – 91 kg) according to Wikipedia. I haven't been able to weigh him yet because I don't have a scale that is small enough but I plan on getting one.

I have only begun my research on how to care for this little guy and already have a long list of supplies to pick up! Chris and I also plan on building a safe outdoor habitat either for our patio or so that he may spend some time in the yard.

Here is a video of Harold eating: