Yellow-footed+Tortoise

toc

//Chelonoidis denticulata// Order: Testudines

=**__Husbandry Information__**=

Diet Requirements

 * Wild Diet: they feed on a variety of grasses, flowers, plants and large portions of fruit, as well as small amounts of animal material such as carrion
 * Zoo/Aquarium Diet: can be fed a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and greens, sprinkled with vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as occasional bugs, worms and pinky mice

Notes on Enrichment & Training


=__Programmatic Information__=

Potential Messaging

 * In general, animals seen at the zoo do not make good pets. Most have specialized dietary, veterinary, housing, and social needs that are difficult or impossible for even dedicated pet owners to meet. Always ensure that your future pet has not been taken from the wild. Capture of wild animals for the pet trade has significantly damaged the survival prospects of species such as sloths, tamanduas, and many parrots. Captured animals are typically mistreated by profit-motivated traffickers and dealers, resulting in many animal deaths; well-meaning animal lovers may feel like they are rescuing animals by purchasing them but are really perpetuating the cruelty. In addition, many exotic pets are released by their owners when they become too dangerous or demanding, often with devastating effects on local ecosystems. Animals that should never be kept as pets include all bats, primates, and exotic carnivores. Birds, fish, and reptiles have specialized needs, are frequently wild-caught, and damage the local environment if released; guests should be advised to educate themselves and proceed with caution. Domestic dogs and cats are almost always the best option! Many deserving animals are available for adoption at animal shelters. [] []

=__Acquisition Information__=

=__Comments from the Rating System__=
 * Downtown Aquarium, Denver: Easy animal, but most guests want to touch it and are less interested in facts
 * Zoo New England, Stone Zoo: Yellow-footed tortoises can grow to a fairly large size. Because of this, they can be a challenge to handle and move. When they reach a certain weight, they require two handlers.

=__Natural History Information__=

Threats and Conservation Status
=__Did you know…__=

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * Houston Zoo, Natural Encounters
 * Shedd Aquarium