After doing some asking around on the forum over the past couple weeks I've decided I want a marginated tortoise! I feel like it would be the best fit for the climate I'm likely to spend the rest of my life in and grow to the size I am looking for (because he or she will be a life long friend!). I'm currently in southern new mexico, but will likely move to more northern states in the future. Marginated is the type I am LOOKING for, but if someone has another species of similar size and climate needs that needs a loving home I would definitely be willing to adopt.
