PHOENIX – Wildlife biologists at Arizona Game and Fish have launched a statewide spring adoption drive to find homes for Sonoran Desert Tortoises that have been abandoned or illegally bred in captivity. Just in time for Earth Month, tortoises have emerged from their winter brumation (slumber period) and need permanent homes before desert temperatures climb. Biologists at Arizona Game and Fish Department cite fewer winter adoption applications submitted this past season, leading to plenty of tortoises available, and are asking for the public’s help. To make this process as easy as possible, adoption applications and instructions on how to build a burrow to house the torts are available online, along with resources for tortoise care, feeding, and habitat maintenance on the AZGFD website azgfd.com.
“Earth Month is a time when we raise awareness about conserving and protecting our diverse native wildlife,” said Tegan Wolf, Desert Tortoise Adoption Program Coordinator. “These tortoises are in need of permanent homes and we are asking residents throughout Arizona to help provide a safe, comfortable environment for them to thrive.”
Adoption applicants are asked to provide proof they have an appropriate outdoor shelter, or burrow, available for new torts. Tortoises live outdoors year-round and require outdoor shelter from the elements.
“Spring is a great time to build a burrow and prep your yard for the comfort and enjoyment of both you and your new tortoise,” said Wolf. “These are friendly animals that enjoy exploring gardens and offer a whimsical addition to outdoor living.”
AZGFD: How to Care for Desert Tortoises
Desert tortoises spend their time outdoors and require a burrow enclosure for protection from Arizona temperatures. The biologists at AZGFD offer videos and instructions on creating a burrow online. Adoption candidates must show they have a burrow ready for their new rescued tortoise prior to applying.
Desert tortoises can live for 80 to 100 years. Often, families will enjoy a single tortoise companion for multiple generations. Loyal and true, tortoises are often included in estate planning and wills.
Desert tortoises are completely herbivorous, eating a wide variety of plants in the wild. Ideally, a captive tortoise should be allowed to graze throughout the day on grasses, leafy plants and flowers.
For households interested in multiple torts, separate enclosures are required for each animal. Households must have at least one person over the age of 18 years old in the home. One tortoise is permitted per adult in each Arizona home.
Ready to adopt or donate?
Review the adoption application and visit AZGFD’s social media channels to learn more about your potential tort match. The AZGFD staff frequently shares details about each tortoise’s unique personality and behaviors to find the perfect family match. Before submitting your application, visit the AZGFD adoption page to learn about care, diet, and habitat needs. If you are unable to adopt a tortoise but would like to help, donations cash or check donations are appreciated to help these beautiful native Arizonan tortoises receive the love and care they deserve.
About Arizona Game & Fish
The Arizona Game and Fish Department conserves and protects more than 800 wildlife species using the best available science. The Department receives no general fund tax dollars and relies on discretionary purchases like fishing and hunting licenses, tags or stamps, and via a federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition for its on-the-ground wildlife management activities.