Arizona Game and Fish looking for homes for dozens of desert tortoises

PHOENIX — Looking for a way to honor World Turtle Day on Thursday?

Lucky for you, the Arizona Game and Fish Department has dozens of recovered desert tortoises, which are part of the turtle family, that need loving homes.

One tortoise named Charlie was hit by a car but survived, albeit with a damaged shell. Another named Hook needed his right foot amputated after he was attacked by a dog.

Both of the tortoises are between 20 and 40 years old and are available for adoption.

We still have plenty of desert tortoises that need your love! 🐢💕🐢

If you've been on the fence, now's the time to find your new tortoise bff!

It's a beautiful week to build a burrow, so don't hesitate, start your adoption journey today: https://t.co/ofAKh4Pa3Q pic.twitter.com/2IRUnUSVbI

— Arizona Game & Fish (@azgfd) May 7, 2019

“Tortoises are amazingly resilient animals,” Tegan Wolf, tortoise adoption program coordinator, said in a press release.

“While the Arizona Game and Fish Department strives to keep wildlife wild, captive desert tortoises cannot be released into the wild because they may spread diseases to wild populations. Because of this, we place dozens of adoptable tortoises into homes to live out their lives as lovable loyal companions.”

According to the agency, tortoises can be interactive with humans and are less demanding than cats or dogs, making them good candidates for pets.

Arizonans interested in adopting a tortoise can learn more and apply online.

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