Desert tortoise surrendered in Indiana

HoosierTort

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Aug 20, 2019
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171
Location (City and/or State)
Indianapolis
Hello everyone!
I took in several surrendered tortoises(3 Russians and 2 sulcata) at a reptile expo last weekend and to my surprise, the young “Sulcata” is actually a desert tortoise. I’m not sure if the people who surrendered it were aware of this fact, and since they dumped the torts and left, I didn’t get a chance to discuss. I honestly didn’t even notice until I got them home and soaked them.

I have contacted my state DNR who I’m very familiar with. I have yet to hear back from them regarding what I need to do. I was hoping someone in here had a point of contact for someone who might be able to help me out?

I run a nonprofit for turtles and tortoises which is licensed by the state and I keep all my required permits. While I don’t focus on desert torts, I am able to provide great care for it and would use it in my educational programs. I just simply can’t risk any problems with a federally protected species.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! B95019C7-2DA8-47C1-85DE-71F0A2BF0673.jpeg
 

Yvonne G

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Well, it's against the law to re-introduce it to California (or whichever western state it originally came from), so I'm hoping YOU get to keep it. It would be a great addition to your education progrem.

This little guy looks terribly dry. He's been kept in a desert-like environment and has lost his 'shine'. Set him up in a warm, humid environment and he'll shine once again

Also, he looks to be four or five years old, which makes him awfully small for his age.
 

HoosierTort

Active Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2019
Messages
171
Location (City and/or State)
Indianapolis
Well, it's against the law to re-introduce it to California (or whichever western state it originally came from), so I'm hoping YOU get to keep it. It would be a great addition to your education progrem.

This little guy looks terribly dry. He's been kept in a desert-like environment and has lost his 'shine'. Set him up in a warm, humid environment and he'll shine once again

Also, he looks to be four or five years old, which makes him awfully small for his age.
Yeah, I know they were all kept wrong all around. The Russians all had horrible beaks. Still working on one since he is really shy.
I have this desert in a closed chamber tub for now with daily soaks. Basically Tom’s care sheet like I do with every tortoise. It is eating well and it’s poop is looking much better.
 

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zovick

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10 Year Member!
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Nov 17, 2013
Messages
3,388
Yeah, I know they were all kept wrong all around. The Russians all had horrible beaks. Still working on one since he is really shy.
I have this desert in a closed chamber tub for now with daily soaks. Basically Tom’s care sheet like I do with every tortoise. It is eating well and it’s poop is looking much better.
Nice job on the beak on the first one!
 

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