Gobi (Desert Tortoise)
Gopherus agassizi
California
Desert tortoises are protected by law in California. The California Turtle and Tortoise Club
handles the permitting of all tortoises in California. Desert tortoises thrive in warm climates but
require shelter from the sun and the cold.
Even in the desert they hibernate for a short period in the winter. They are susceptible to respiratory illnesses
that are extremely contagious, so captive tortoises must never be returned to
the desert. If the bottom of their shell
is concave, the tortoise is a male. The
shape allows the male to mount the female.
If the bottom of the shell is flat, the tortoise is a female. They are
on the move constantly which is why they are often lost by pet owners. Sadly many tortoises have a hole drilled in
their shell allowing the pet owner to tether the tortoise so it cannot wander
away. This often ends in tragic loss of
limbs when the chain or rope wraps around the leg and goes unnoticed until the
circulation is cut off.
Desert Tortoises are amazingly persistent in trying to escape any
enclosure where they are kept. Gobi got
out of one area of a backyard and into another which housed the family
dog. Gobi had several severe puncture
wounds on his rear end and back legs.
The family was unable to take care of him so they surrendered him to our
vet who then placed him at Critter Creek.
His wounds have healed and he continues his efforts to roam.