Chaco Tortoise?? What should I do?

[Jaid11]

Hello, I am new to the forum and need some advice! I found this ad locally and am concerned and a little frustrated. This person advertises as a tortoise rescue and then flips and sells tortoises. I talked to the seller and explained that the picture animal is very clearly not an egyptian tortoise. They offered $200 and seemed to accept it wasn’t an egyptian. When I denied paying them they reposted the ad still claiming and enforcing it was is an egyptian tortoise. To me this is very concerning especially considering it looks like a Chaco tortoise with a damaged shell and I hear they are very sensitive and require specific care. Should I report the ad and hope for the best? Or should I pay the $200 and try to provide a better good home for this little one?

 

[Anastasia 22]

Hello and welcome!
That's soooooooo sad how some people are.
I wish you could get this little poor tortoise! You can give her/him a good loving home, and guys here on the forum will help you with all great information and support!
Save him/her!!!

 

[Anastasia 22]

And report them!!!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Maybe @EppsDynasty can help you if you end up buying it but can't keep it yourself? A difficult situation.

 

[turtlesteve]

It’s not a Chaco tortoise. The photo sucks but could be a juvenile desert tortoise.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

It’s not a Chaco tortoise. The photo sucks but could be a juvenile desert tortoise.

Do you think it could be Egyptian? Probably not....

 

[Yvonne G]

I agree with Turtle Steve - it's a Gopherus agasizzii or morafki. They're trying to get around the DO-NOT-SELL desert tortoises law. They need to be reported to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

 

[Tom]

I can't tell what it is from the picture either, but it's not a Chaco or an Egyptian. It looks like it could be a greek or a DT.

 

[TammyJ]

Poor little thing has been through some trauma and may be sick. One of many.

 

[EppsDynasty]

A Holes ......Another Lazy person trying to make a living off the hard work of an animal. This is why we do not breed and do not sell ANY animal. It is sad, if you report them likely the tort will be euthanized ...
especially if it's in Utah not CA. If we had to $200 we would buy it in a heartbeat and then get it shipped to us immediately. These are the stories that just tear us up .... we want to help ANY and ALL that need a forever home.

 

[EppsDynasty]

Anyone know the name of these people .... ? Trying to get a hold of them and save some lives.

 

[EppsDynasty]

Found it not a DT but not exactly sure 'What' it is. Not a rescue but another breeder from Morph Market ..... We're going to do our best.

 

[TammyJ]

Found it not a DT but not exactly sure 'What' it is. Not a rescue but another breeder from Morph Market ..... We're going to do our best.

Good luck with this, but please beware of contagious DISEASE if you manage to get the tortoise!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Found it not a DT but not exactly sure 'What' it is. Not a rescue but another breeder from Morph Market ..... We're going to do our best.

A "breeder" I would word it....

 

[Yvonne G]

A Holes ......Another Lazy person trying to make a living off the hard work of an animal. This is why we do not breed and do not sell ANY animal. It is sad, if you report them likely the tort will be euthanized ...
especially if it's in Utah not CA. If we had to $200 we would buy it in a heartbeat and then get it shipped to us immediately. These are the stories that just tear us up .... we want to help ANY and ALL that need a forever home.

Everyone should please note: It is illegal to BUY or SELL desert tortoises. So, please DON'T buy this animal unless you're SURE it's NOT a desert tortoise!

 

[Jaid11]

Here is the link to the ad on KSL classifieds. Their number is attached to the ad but you have to have an account to access that info. It seems like it is a teenager and his dad, with the dad being the one you contact. I am still anxious to help especially because I don’t have too many available funds to get the tortoise to a vet or shipped at the moment. I’m a teenager myself and don’t get paid again until the 20th.
https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/76607640

 

[jaizei]

Here is the link to the ad on KSL classifieds. Their number is attached to the ad but you have to have an account to access that info. It seems like it is a teenager and his dad, with the dad being the one you contact. I am still anxious to help especially because I don’t have too many available funds to get the tortoise to a vet or shipped at the moment. I’m a teenager myself and don’t get paid again until the 20th.
https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/76607640

If its the 0010 number, its posted in the text of one of their other ads. As is the Fathers name.

 

[SinLA]

Here is the link to the ad on KSL classifieds. Their number is attached to the ad but you have to have an account to access that info. It seems like it is a teenager and his dad, with the dad being the one you contact. I am still anxious to help especially because I don’t have too many available funds to get the tortoise to a vet or shipped at the moment. I’m a teenager myself and don’t get paid again until the 20th.
https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/76607640

Thanks! Make sure you read the FAQs here before you do end up getting your tortoise. your tortoise is going to live many decades - we do get a lot of teenagers on here who don't realize the amount it costs to get them set up properly, the amount of space they need, and will need to provide for the rest of its life... Its definitely a big decision

 

[Jaid11]

If its the 0010 number, its posted in the text of one of their other ads. As is the Fathers name.

The one I was contacting was 0460

 

[Jaid11]

Thanks! Make sure you read the FAQs here before you do end up getting your tortoise. your tortoise is going to live many decades - we do get a lot of teenagers on here who don't realize the amount it costs to get them set up properly, the amount of space they need, and will need to provide for the rest of its life... Its definitely a big decision

I grew up with a sulcata tortoise who I found out I was not properly caring for around 11. I did at that point use the forum to find more info and ended up rehoming her because it was too much for me. I recently I got a sulcata hatchling that is very well cared for. Animals are my life and I love the idea of having a lifelong pet. I have horses as well and have acreage I can use to build a large enclosure. I’ll be moving out to the acreage property in a few months. I am 18.