(better pictures coming- these were taken on exhibit at the Memphis Zoo- 5-18-00)

      Gopherus berlandieri- Texas tortoise        Origin: North America

A rather interesting species of tortoise.  It's been described as a sort of combination Geochelone chilensis (chaco tortoise) and a Gopherus polyphemus (Gopher tortoise).  I've only worked with one animal and have found it to be a rather personable (though not necessarily attractive) species.  Like the rest of the Gopherus species, it is rigidly protected from collection, sale, and exportation. 

Links to further information on G. berlandieri:

History of animal/locales:  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/nature/wild/reptiles/txtort.htm