The Oakland Zoo welcomed two new guests last week – a pair of male Aldabra tortoises.
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The tortoises were rescued from a roadside zoo in Oklahoma in April 2021 severely malnourished and neglected, according to a Wednesday press release by the Oakland Zoo.
After being rescued by the Wildcare Foundation, the pair received medical treatment and the process began for finding them a forever home. Working with the Chelonian Taxonomic Advisory Group, part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Wildcare Foundation landed on the Oakland Zoo.
"We take a lot of pride in giving rescues a home here at Oakland Zoo. While there are more animals in need out there than we have the space and the caregiving capacity for, we're thankful to be able to give at least some of those rescues the best quality of life possible," said Nik Dehejia, CEO at Oakland Zoo, in the Wednesday release.
This isn't the first time the Oakland Zoo has taken in animals rescued from bad situations. A good portion of the zoo's animals has been confiscated at SFO and the Port of Oakland.
Tortoises live long lives, up to 120 years, and can grow to up to 550 pounds, leaving most owners unable to properly care for them, resulting in mistreatment.
Although the two new tortoises are both teenage males, they're already proving to be quite the individual characters, with one a bit on the shy side, while the other is very engaged, according to the release.
"We're excited to welcome these boys to the family," said Dr. Alex Herman, VP of Veterinary Services at Oakland Zoo.
The Oakland Zoo's total number of Aldabra tortoises now totals eight. The teens will join the rest in a half-acre habitat once they've passed medical inspection.
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