Geochelone sulcata-  Spurred tortoise        Origin: Africa

This species is probably the most commonly found captive bred tortoise species in the United States.  It is also the largest of the mainland tortoise species (with the exception of the Amazon river basin subspecies of G. denticulata (yellow footed tortoise)).  

The above two animals are in their "native habitat" of the back of a minivan on their way to another institution after producing dozens of offspring at the Memphis Zoo over the past decade or so.  The species has been easily reproduced in the United States in recent years and there is now a glut of the animals because of this success.  The idea of sterilization or disposal of the eggs of this species to prevent overpopulation may become a reality in the near future.

Males of the species can weigh up to one hundred pounds while the females generally top out at around 75 pounds.  The next time you see a cute baby of this species, think of the above numbers and try to imagine keeping that much tortoise in your house during the late fall, winter, and early spring!!!  Zoos simply do not have the space and rescue operations are starting to get stretched to the limit with unwanted animals.

Links to further information on G. sulcata:

Recent information and pictures at the most complete site on the web: World Chelonian Trust- www.chelonia.org

husbandry article:  http://www.tortoise.org/archives/sulcata1.html

husbandry article:  http://www.sonic.net/melissk/sulcata.html

husbandry info:  http://www.zelvy.cz/galerie/gc_sulc.html