Found tortoise, injured, need to locate rescue group

[Teresa1768]

Hello,

My neighbor just called because she found this tortoise in her driveway. Apparently she ran over him when she pulled into her garage. I have him in a plastic tub in my house. He has a crack that was bleeding just a small amount on his underside. (Please see pictures) He immediately climbed into the pan of water I put in the tub. I have no idea what kind he is or how bad this injury is. His legs/feet seem fine. He appears fairly active. I would say his shell is about 6-7 inches long. Can someone help me locate a rescue that will accept him? I live in Riverside, CA. Curious, do you think he is native or an escaped pet? I have never seen a turtle/tortoise of any kind around here before.

Thank you in advance for your help,
Teresa

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

That is a sulcata tortoise the 3d largest species in the world! it is most likely an escaped pet. try not to feed him any fruit and make sure no dirt gets in his injuries.

 

[Elohi]

Looks like an escaped pet, a Sulcata. I can't help with finding a rescue but I know we have a lot of members who may be able to help you find one.

 

[Yvonne G]

You can contact any of the chapters of the California Turtle & Tortoise club and they will take him. Look online for a chapter near you...there are quite a few in SoCal.

 

[wellington]

@Yvonne G should be able to help with a rescue, she is also in Cali, not sure how close to you. She in fact may be able to take it in herself. It is a sulcata, not native. Please do try to find its rightful owners. They can escape fairly easy. They are,like bulldozers. In the mean time, keep him warm, about 85 keep him hydrated, low water dish and keep him on paper towel, to keep the wound clean. Also soak him in warm water every day for about 20 minutes to help keep him hydrated, until you can find someone to take him.

 

[Teresa1768]

That is a sulcata tortoise the 3d largest species in the world! it is most likely an escaped pet. try not to feed him any fruit and make sure no dirt gets in his injuries.

Thank you for responding. I will try to find the owner before I contact a rescue.

 

[Teresa1768]

Looks like an escaped pet, a Sulcata. I can't help with finding a rescue but I know we have a lot of members who may be able to help you find one.

Thank you for responding. I will try to find the owner before I contact a rescue.

 

[Maro2Bear]

Thank you for responding. I will try to find the owner before I contact a rescue.

Yes, check your local Craigs list for missing tortoise! Good luck!

 

[Teresa1768]

@Yvonne G should be able to help with a rescue, she is also in Cali, not sure how close to you. She in fact may be able to take it in herself. It is a sulcata, not native. Please do try to find its rightful owners. They can escape fairly easy. They are,like bulldozers. In the mean time, keep him warm, about 85 keep him hydrated, low water dish and keep him on paper towel, to keep the wound clean. Also soak him in warm water every day for about 20 minutes to help keep him hydrated, until you can find someone to take him.

Thank you for responding and for the advice. I will try to find the owner before I contact the rescue.

 

[Teresa1768]

Yes, check your local Craigs list for missing tortoise! Good luck!

That is a great idea. I will do that. Thank you.

 

[Prairie Mom]

They eat mainly non-fertilized grass and weeds. Here is a link to a diet sheet http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sulcata-diet-sheet.64290/ My understanding is that too much fruit is unhealthy for them, but MAN!-if someone drove over my tortoise, I'd love her rescuer to give her a piece of strawberry or some pumpkin guts! Anything to cheer her up and get her eating!

Also, if you don't mind me saying so...I vote for turning him into a rescue. The poor little guy may need medical care. I googled the club Yvonne mentioned and am providing you a link here just in case you decide to go this route...http://www.tortoise.org/cttc/cttcmore.html I also found this yellow pages listing:http://www.yellowpages.com/huntington-beach-ca/mip/california-turtle-tortoise-club-473389770 -Not sure if the number is valid, but at least these are places to start.

My feeling is, you could STILL make every attempt to contact the owners, through flyers, craigslists, etc and if they contact you, you can let them know exactly where you turned their tort in for some expert help.

I wish you the best and think you're great for helping this little guy out!

 

[Gillian M]

That is a sulcata tortoise the 3d largest species in the world! it is most likely an escaped pet. try not to feed him any fruit and make sure no dirt gets in his injuries.

What about soaks in warm water?

 

[Gillian M]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Very sorry that your tort is injured. Take care and good luck.

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

What about soaks in warm water?

welllington said he should be soaked

 

[taza]

Yes just luke warm water in a tub or tote, just past where his shell starts.

 

[Gillian M]

welllington said he should be soaked

Hello there! You are right, that was my mistake...very sorry.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

He's a beautiful Sulcata, obviously someones pet. Please keep his wound clean. Keeping him on paper towels would be best and please keep us posted...

 

[Yellow Turtle01]

Welcome! How's it going searching for the owners?