Hermann's Tortoise

Approx 6

I am part of a group on Facebook that was for reptile rehoming. Donna's owner was rehoming her for personal reasons, and I was looking for a new friend after the passing of my chameleon, Spock. Lucky for me, the owner was only 10 minutes from here in Crestwood. I adopted her in August 2024. 

As a kid, I had a turtle, and while I was doing research on what reptile to get again a tortoise popped up. I really thought that it would be a great fit for what I was looking for, but I had to be careful because some can get really large. So when Donna, a Hermann's Tortoise, showed up for adoption, I knew it was perfect since they only get about 8 inches long. When I met her, I knew that I could give her a great life, and she was just adorable. 

While trying to decide on a name, my husband said that we should name her Donna, after Donatello, the Ninja Turtle. It was perfect, and it just fit. 

Donna has no fear! We have cats and a dog, and she does not care about them at all. She will run right into them if they are in her way. 

She makes me smile! Often, if you come to my house, you will see her wandering around the living room and kitchen. We are working on planning an outdoor enclosure, but when she wants to get out of her indoor enclosure, she will scratch on the walls to let me know. She has a funny and sassy little personality. 

She loves hibiscus flowers, carrots, cilantro, and shell scratches. Did you know that tortoises can feel every touch on their shells? They are super sensitive. So if you give her a little scratch on her shell, she will wiggle! Hermann's Tortoise can live to be 80 years old, and others can live to be much older than that. They are a lifelong commitment that requires specific care. Do your research before getting one as a pet! Be kind to tortoises and turtles!