Let Me Tell You About Mama and Papa Yellowfoots
Posted: Thursday, December 17, 2009
by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com
Nope, this is not a story about a mother and father - it is about a gorgeous pair of Yellowfoot Tortoises that we named "Mama" and "Papa".
Sometime during my adult life, I became exceedingly interested in turtles, but more specifically, tortoises. You might say that I was almost obsessive about them. At first it started with a collection of figurines. The very first one was a special gift; it was a crushed pecan shell turtle almost a foot long and so lifelike that I could not help but admire it. It was a treasured gift and not long after that I found a smaller one to go with it. Well, these two turtles started an obsessive collecting mania in me that lasted 3 years. About 450 turtles and tortoises later, countless gifts from family and friends, and anything turtle from figurines to puzzles to home decor and postage stamps, I came to my senses or was it I was running out of innovative ways to display them. I had set out to have a collection worth bragging about.
It took about a year before I wanted to get a live turtle - I had decided that it had to be a tortoise because they are vegetarian and I would never mess around feeding live bait. But a veggie-eating creature was perfect! I studied and read and inquired. I joined the New York Turtle/Tortoise Society; I wrote away for information. More to the point - I had decided to get a tortoise or two. Originally I wanted a rare type but soon settled on either a Sulcata or Yellowfoot. I knew I wanted a large species.
What I set my mind to I usually get. After all my inquiries and searching, I found my dynamic duo - a fabulous pair of Yellowfoot Tortoises. Both were fully grown and were exceedingly well cared for and friendly. They were owned by a hobbyist who was strapped for cash. We cut a deal and the tortoises were mine. Home came Mama and Papa, aptly named by a family member.
I had a kingsize waterbed frame set up in a room to house them. Fully equipped with the appropriate lighting and heating, it served rather well as a yard for them. Considering that they were domesticated, they had comfortable living quarters. My original plan was to build a pen for them, yet somehow in all the time I owned Mama and Papa they never did get their own play yard outside. When the weather was warm and comfortable for tortoises, I would schlepp one at a time to the backyard. If I could watch them, they played in the big backyard. If I could not, they would spend time in the deer pen (besides horses I owned two domesticated fallow deer). Everyone got along famously and there never was a problem.
Except -- I can remember early on during one of their romp times, Papa defecated and what I saw was sooo disgusting. Worms! Heaps of worms! Yuck! To the vet they went. And there they got the tube - up the back end. Let me tell you, folks, you've never held anything as strong as a Yellowfoot Tortoise when he doesn't want to be tubed. It took four of us to give him his treatment and he hissed at us. It did the trick though and both remained parasite free for the 10 years that I owned them.
Did I tell you that Mama and Papa were huge? Mama was considerably bigger than Papa, as females sometimes are. She tipped the measuring tape to almost 21 inches while Papa was 18 inches.
Their shell coloring was lovely. Both were smooth and clean and heavy. They ate well, were very social and acknowledged attention. Mama loved it if we rubbed her head or stroked her shell. Papa always remained more reserved and dignified.
There were countless times when we enjoyed them as amazing pets. One time in particular comes to mind. I had been basking in the sun in a lounge chair until the phone started ringing. I had Mama out with me. The call took much longer than I expected and I forgot all about the tortoise. Of course, when I finally remembered her about two hours later, she was nowhere to be found. I freaked out and started calling for her. Yeah, what else could I do. I had visions of a lonely Papa and never finding Mama. I had scoured the yard and the barn area. Dejected and forlorn I sat down on the deck. Almost immediately I heard a rustling in the flowerbed and who bulldozes her way out but Mama. Can you imagine my surprise and happiness?
Yep, she knew her name and responded to it. Papa also responded - he'd just gaze at you in his noble and wise tortoise way.
They were an amazing pair of creatures. Both readily ate from our hands, especially strawberries. They'd gorge on romaine lettuce and carrots. Fortunately, they ate well and stayed in excellent health. Both Mama and Papa were excellent pets; however, I would not recommend Yellowfoot Tortoises for children because, based on my experience, they are mobile bulldozers, need proper housing and care, lots of space and are just too heavy and strong for children.
To tell the truth, I thought they'd always be in our family. I figured they would outlive me. The kids loved them too but dedicating a room to them was going to be difficult. They are living and breathing creatures and need attention and care in different ways than dogs, cats or horses. I decided to find them an ideal forever home when I sold my house.
Again I did the research, made the inquiries and interviewed. I decided on a private Long Island sanctuary that specialized in large and rare turtles and tortoises. When it was time to say good bye, I drove them to New York City. I donated them with the right to visit anytime.
I have always been surrounded by animals. My experiences with Mama and Papa were unique; these tortoises were as memorable as any of my precious animals. And I still often miss them.
This article was written by The Old Gray Mare of DressYourHorse.com and FantasyKritters.com.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Our neighbor boy growing up loved all kinds of critters and had some tortoises - that was Minnesota so the conditions weren't ideal but they did ok! Interesting read. MarijoHi Marijo. You are a great SearchWarp friend! Thanks for reading about these two goliath tortoises. I often wish I still had them because they were so unique. But I was lucky to find the perfect home for them and they've actually really become a mama and papa of a few little guys. So with some luck, they will live on. Can't ask for more than that.
Great story....they are great animals and I agree that if they do not want to do something they can be a handful.Thanks very much for commenting - these two were like living tanks. If they wanted to go their way, they were like bulldozers - they were going.
I'm glad Mama didn't wander too far. I'm still trying to picture you running around the countryside, calling frantically: "Mama! Maaa-ma! Come home, Mama!"My sister-in-law said she always felt a bit silly standing on her front porch calling for Meow, her son's cat....You're right - that conjures up funny images even today. Like, what did I think Mama was going to do? Answer me, or come out of wherever she was? I was frantic though. I've got some pictures up of these guys - I'm not sure exactly where I put them. Maybe they're with The Old Gray Mare Articles on the website. Anyway, they were spectacular. I like turtles and tortoises a whole lot and, contrary to what people may think, they are actually very responsive. What I liked about the big tortoises is that they were not so motivated by food as all the other animals. Rather, these two - and especially Mama who was the more interactive of the two - actually would seek out my company. They were like tanks. They'd bulldoze their way to me and butt me or stop directly in front of me. And they did respond to their names. If I lived in a more temperate climate, they would still be here to this day and they would probably well outlive me. But we're in Connecticut so the housing and care situation ended up presenting my problem. They love the sanctuary though and I definitely did the right thing for them.
About calling Meow -- come Meow - Meow, Meow - yes, I can understand a bit of discomfort. Never thought about names in that way before. I mean when it's time to call them home.
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