When Bert moved into the office in the fall of 2006, he was an enchanting, 4" tortoise weighing just a few ounces. He needed a home because one of our member families was moving out of the country and could not take him along. It wasn't until he arrived that we discovered he was not just any tortoise, he was an African Spurred Tortoise-a member of the salcata family. Sulcatas are THE largest mainland tortoise in the world! Now, six years later,  he tips the scales at 30 pounds, and he has no problem letting us know that he needs to eat large meals throughout the day! 

 

In the warm weather this isn't a problem. Bert joins the campers at the pool and while they swim, he focuses on consuming as much clover and sorrel as possible! During the day NPF members arrive and take him outside for more grazing, and Kristen supplements his foraging with plates of fresh dark green salads. His voracious appetite confirms reports that sulcatas are "eating machines." As Bert and his appetite continue to grow, we are mindful of our budget and we invite you to help us to keep Bert healthy.