In the bustling streets of Phoenix, Arizona, a sulcata tortoise named Rex embarked on an unexpected adventure, captivating the entire neighborhood. This tale of a wayward tortoise highlights the challenges of owning these majestic creatures, despite their widespread popularity in the pet trade. With a length comparable to a large dinner platter, Rex's journey began on a spring evening, strolling down a suburban street, leaving a trail of bewildered neighbors in his wake.
The neighborhood's commotion sparked a collaborative effort to locate Rex's owners. This incident underscores the complexities of owning a sulcata tortoise, a species that has become a punchline in a Saturday Night Live sketch. Dan Marchand, founder of the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, emphasizes the allure of these tortoises, which hatch as tiny golf balls, but soon grow into colossal giants, weighing up to 200 pounds and living up to 150 years. The U.S. banned their importation in the early 2000s, yet breeding remains legal, and many buyers are unaware of the substantial care they require.
Marchand's sanctuary houses approximately 700 sulcatas, some of which, like Rex, were found wandering the streets or abandoned by owners who couldn't handle their size. Teri Boyungs, owner of Eclecteri Tortoise & Reptile Rescue/Sanctuary, notes the overwhelming number of surrendered tortoises, primarily due to owners' inability to provide the necessary care. The climate in Arizona facilitates ground hatching, with each female capable of producing over 60 babies annually, exacerbating the challenge.
Sara Westfall's family, including her 5-year-old daughter, discovered Rex, initially mistaking him for a lawn decoration. The neighborhood rallied, providing lettuce, creating Facebook posts, and even constructing a wheelbarrow to transport Rex to Westfall's backyard. Westfall's daughter, in her unique naming convention, dubbed Rex 'Chicken Nugget.' The family's efforts to ensure Rex's comfort included ordering hay, digging a pool, and stopping lawn mowing to accommodate his grazing.
Frank Boxberger, Rex's original owner, had envisioned a generational pet, playing a role in family events like his daughter's wedding. However, Rex's destructive tendencies led Boxberger to temporarily rehome him. Boxberger believes Rex escaped when a house tour left the gate open. Despite the initial plan to rehome Rex, Boxberger's daughter's call led to a reunion with his long-lost tortoise.
Garret Beshey, a plumber, stepped in to adopt Rex, despite his initial reluctance to purchase a sulcata. Beshey's spacious backyard will be Rex's new home, with plans for a new name, perhaps 'Bowser.' The story of Rex's adventure and eventual adoption highlights the complexities of tortoise ownership, the challenges faced by sanctuaries, and the importance of responsible pet care.
