Name rehabilitated tortoise and win
The three-legged leopard tortoise has already befriended a fellow ‘tripod’ tortoise.
Crocworld Conservation Centre is calling on the public to suggest a name for its rehabilitated three-legged leopard tortoise.
The centre’s manager, James Wittstock, said the tortoise was found by a golfer at Umkomaas Golf Club.
He estimated the tortoise’s age to be around 15 to 20 years.
In naming the tortoise, the public stands a chance to win tickets for a family of four to the centre.
“When he came to Crocworld, the poor guy had one immobile leg and an injury on another. He went to uShaka Sea World for treatment as he had a bad leg break which required amputation, and treatment to the other leg. He has healed and was moved to Crocworld where he is doing brilliantly with our other leopard tortoises,” said Wittstock.
He added in the few months that the three-legged leopard tortoise has lived at the centre, it has already befriended a fellow ‘tripod’ tortoise which is also being rehabilitated
To make the latest resident feel part of the family, added Wittstock, the team is calling on the public to suggest a name for the tortoise – and stand a chance to win tickets for a family of four to the centre.
Wittstock said leopard tortoises are the fourth largest species of tortoise in the world. It gets its name from the spotted pattern on the top of its shell or carapace.
He added that they are crepuscular which means they are most active during the early morning and just before sunset.
“Leopard tortoises are herbivores and graze on grasses and fruit. The leopard tortoise is one of the Little Five joined by the elephant shrew, red-billed buffalo weaver, antlion, and rhino beetle,” said Wittstock.
Visit the centre’s Facebook page for the competition.
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