Need advice on rehoming large male Galapagos Tortoise

I have a 25 year old male Galapagos Tortoise I am contemplating parting with at some time in the not-too-distant future. I am nearly 80. He (Bert) has been a beloved part of my family since I acquired him at 6 months and, at last weigh-in several years ago, he weighed 350 lbs. He has grown substantially.

Bert was purchased from a dealer in AZ and, as I understand the law, he must remain in the state. I am aware he has great value. My priority is that he goes to an experienced YOUNG tortoise keeper who can/will provide an optimal environment where he can/will thrive. Does anyone have suggestions for me? Safe transport will be a huge challenge and another priority.
Any input accepted with appreciation.

lindafrew said:

I have a 25 year old male Galapagos Tortoise I am contemplating parting with at some time in the not-too-distant future. I am nearly 80. He (Bert) has been a beloved part of my family since I acquired him at 6 months and, at last weigh-in several years ago, he weighed 350 lbs. He has grown substantially.

Bert was purchased from a dealer in AZ and, as I understand the law, he must remain in the state. I am aware he has great value. My priority is that he goes to an experienced YOUNG tortoise keeper who can/will provide an optimal environment where he can/will thrive. Does anyone have suggestions for me? Safe transport will be a huge challenge and another priority.
Any input accepted with appreciation.

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I'm part of an organization that works with this species. We are called "The Galapagos Tortoise Alliance". We will help you find a good home. I have just the people in mind in Phoenix. They are a young married couple and already have a few other Galapagos tortoises. I've already texted them.

Tom said:

I'm part of an organization that works with this species. We are called "The Galapagos Tortoise Alliance". We will help you find a good home. I have just the people in mind in Phoenix. They are a young married couple and already have a few other Galapagos tortoises. I've already texted them.

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I am interested, but a perfect environment is essential. Would one exist in Phoenix? Not one of my favorite places. Are they into conservation or just breeding? As I said, I am well aware of his monetary value.

I appreciate your rsponse and your assistance. I am in no hurry to part with Bert.

lindafrew said:

I am interested, but a perfect environment is essential. Would one exist in Phoenix? Not one of my favorite places. Are they into conservation or just breeding? As I said, I am well aware of his monetary value.

I appreciate your rsponse and your assistance. I am in no hurry to part with Bert.

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Here is more info on who we are and what we are doing:

Notice the date. We have grown exponentially since then.

lindafrew said:

I am interested, but a perfect environment is essential. Would one exist in Phoenix? Not one of my favorite places. Are they into conservation or just breeding? As I said, I am well aware of his monetary value.

I appreciate your rsponse and your assistance. I am in no hurry to part with Bert.

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Hi Lidafrew, I'm a colleague of Tom's in the GTA. Your concern for southern Arizona is valid, but also consider there are several colonies of Galops in Arizona that routinely reproduce, as an indicator that they can be properly managed in that climate. Another founding member of the GTA is also here on TFO, @Markw84 who can offer greater detail regarding the mission statement of the GTA. A primary mandate is to preserve actual species in groups. Not just breeding for the sake of more, but to preserve actual species outside of Ecuador.

I understand how you can become attached to a tortoise as a family member. I have a few going on over 35 years, they take on pet qualities that are hard to write out or verbalize. Like other family members, pet dogs or cats, eye contact becomes a silent communication that affirms the relationship. You are making a tough choice.

@lindafrew do you know anything else about the lineage of the tortoise? I presume it was produced in Florida and sold by Jeff Gee? Is it in the AZA studbook? Has it been DNA tested to determine who the parents were?