A giant sulcata tortoise named Rex recently caused a stir in a Phoenix suburb. The large reptile was found wandering down a street, prompting neighbors to come together to help him.
Rex's unexpected appearance led to a community effort to find his owners. This event also highlighted the challenges of owning sulcata tortoises, which are popular pets despite their demanding care.
The Challenges of Owning a Sulcata Tortoise
Sulcata tortoises are the third-largest tortoise species in the world. They start as tiny, golf-ball-sized hatchlings. However, they can grow to weigh up to 200 pounds and live for 150 years.
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Start Your News DetoxCaption: View of one of five newborn African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys Sulcata) at the zoo, in Guadalajara, Mexico, Jalisco state, on May 17, 2018. Ulises Ruiz/AFP via Getty Images
Dan Marchand, founder of the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, explained that many people buy them without understanding their needs. These tortoises require large outdoor spaces, clean water, and warm shelter. They are also known for their digging habits, which can be destructive to yards.
The U.S. banned their importation in the early 2000s, but breeding remains legal. Marchand's sanctuary cares for about 700 sulcatas, many of which were abandoned or found wandering. Teri Boyungs, who runs Eclecteri Tortoise & Reptile Rescue/Sanctuary in Arizona, noted that her organization takes in about 1,250 sulcatas yearly. Arizona's climate allows for easy hatching, with females laying over 60 eggs a year, leading to an overwhelming number of abandoned tortoises.
Rex's Great Escape and New Home
Sara Westfall's 5-year-old daughter first spotted Rex. The family, along with neighbors, worked to care for him. They posted "Found tortoise" signs and made social media posts. Rex, temporarily nicknamed "Chicken Nugget" by Westfall's daughter, stayed in their backyard. The Westfalls provided him with hay, a shallow pool, and carrots.
Five days later, Rex's original owner, Frank Boxberger, contacted the Westfalls after seeing a flyer. Boxberger had bought Rex 15 years ago, drawn by his dinosaur-like appearance. Rex, estimated to be about 35 years old, had lived in Boxberger's backyard and even served as a "beer burro" at his daughter's wedding.
Rex had been temporarily moved to Boxberger's mother's house, which was for sale, due to his destructive digging. Boxberger believes Rex escaped when a gate was left open during a house tour.
Boxberger decided to rehome Rex permanently. Garret Beshey, a plumber working at the house Rex had been staying in, offered to adopt him. Beshey had always wanted a sulcata but preferred to adopt due to concerns about excessive breeding in the pet trade. He plans to set up a spacious backyard for Rex, possibly renaming him "Bowser."
Beshey successfully moved the over 100-pound tortoise into his truck, ready for Rex to start his new life.
