Let Me Tell You About Mama and Papa Yellowfoots

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.

So you ask, what does all this have to do with Mama and Papa.

It took about a year before I actually thought about getting a live turtle - I wanted a tortoise because they are vegetarian (I would never mess around feeding live bait). But a veggie-eating creature was perfect! I studied and read and inquired. I joined a New York Turtle/Tortoise Society; I wrote away for heaps of 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 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, this frame served suited their needs rather well. They had always been in captivity, and I was able to make them reasonably comfortable. My original plan was to build an outside yard for them, yet somehow in all the time I owned Mama and Papa they never got that yard. 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 had the big yard. If I could not, they would have to go into the deer pen (I owned several 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 untuck that tail to give him his treatment and did he ever hiss at us. The worming did the trick though and both tortoises 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 in their houses for a pair of tortoises was not possible. These big guys are living, breathing creatures that need attention and care in different ways than dogs, cats or horses. I resolved 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, retaining 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 is written by The Old Gray Mare^TM of DressYourHorse.com^TM and FantasyKritters.com^TM.