The Capital Humane Society has found a new home for a unique animal that recently arrived at the shelter, a a 60-pound sulcata tortoise named Lucy. Executive Director Matt Madcharo says Lucy was surrendered by her owner, who was moving and could no longer care for her. After the owner was unable to find a new home for the tortoise, they turned to the shelter for help.
Madcharo says the shelter posted Lucy on its Facebook page, generating plenty of interest from people passionate about reptiles and tortoises. Lucy was adopted Wednesday by a family with experience caring for tortoises.
Madcharo says sulcata tortoises require special care and a long-term commitment because of their exceptionally long lifespans. “They can live 70 to 100 years. They’re definitely a pet that needs a lot of special care, but also you got to kind of have a plan for them, because they might outlive you.”
Lucy is 13 years old and, but she could potentially live another 80 years or more.
Madcharo says this is the third time this year a sulcata tortoise has come to the Capital Humane Society. The previous two were lost tortoises that had escaped their enclosures and were later claimed by their owners.
He says Lucy’s adoption highlights the importance of understanding the long-term responsibilities involved before bringing an exotic animal into a home.
(Photo: Capital Humane Society)