When Bert moved into the office in the fall of 2006, she was an enchanting 4" tortoise weighing just a few ounces. She needed a home because one of our member families was moving out of the country and could not take her along. It wasn't until she arrived that we discovered she was not just any tortoise, she was an African Spurred Tortoise- a member of the salcata family. Sulcatas are the third largest species of tortoise and THE largest mainland (not living on an island) tortoise in the world! Now, seven years later, she tips the scales at 40 pounds, and she has no problem letting us know that she needs to eat large meals throughout the day! 

 

In the warm weather this isn't a problem. Bert joins the campers grazing around the pool while they swim, she focuses on consuming as much clover and sorrel as possible! During the day NPF members arrive and take her outside for more grazing, and we supplement her foraging with alfalfa hay and plates of fresh dark green salads. Her voracious appetite confirms reports that sulcatas are "eating machines." As Bert and her appetite continue to grow, we are mindful of our budget and we invite you to help us to keep Bert healthy. We would welcome donations to her  food fund.

Thank you so much!!