Dealing with Tortoise Death

[tortoise-kid]

My tortoise hasn't died, but I was just thinking about what if he did and I realized I would be absolutely devastated. It almost makes me want to cry.

I have had my Red Footed Tortoise, Noam, for about 5 years and I have come to really love him. Also pretty soon I'm getting a new Cherry Head.

So I havent had to deal with tortoise death since Noam is still somewhat young. So my question is for the tortoise owners who have dealt with death: How hard did the death hit you and how did you recover?

 

[Laura]

It varies greatly from one person to another. Many different reasons as to how and why people react the way they do.
I hope you dont have to deal with it for a long time!!

 

[Yvonne G]

Everyone will react differently. Because I deal with so many sick and injured turtles and tortoises, outwardly, it may seem like it doesn't affect me at all. I have learned to "go with the flow." But my sister takes each death to heart, it even makes her physically ill when one of her charges dies.

 

[dmmj]

Sadly over the years I have lost several turtles and tortoises some through my own neglect in the early years ( pancake tortoise soft shell turtle) some through old age ( my first red ear slider hit me hard) Others through injury ( red ear slider again), and some that I take in from people who neglected them and then turned them over to me in bad/poor health. If I can offer some advice don't worry about their death, instead focus on enjoying the animal no matter how long it may be with you, over the long run I think you will probably live better focusing on the good, then focusing on their eventual death.

 

[tortoise-kid]

Thanks for the responses and its a good thing you guys are doing taking in some neglected tortoises/turtles