In Scottsdale, Arizona, Rex, a giant sulcata tortoise, found himself a temporary home with the Westfall family. They took him in while searching for his original owner. This unexpected guest had neighbors buzzing with questions about his origins and his wellbeing.
Rex’s Capture and Impact
The sight of Rex, lumbering down a suburban street, created quite a commotion. It ignited efforts to locate his owners and highlighted the challenges of owning such a tortoise. Despite their popularity in the pet trade, sulcatas can be difficult to care for, as illustrated humorously in a Saturday Night Live sketch.
Challenges of Sulcata Ownership
Dan Marchand of the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary points out how cute these tortoises are when they hatch, being the size of golf balls. He warns, however, that they grow into one of the largest tortoises, weighing up to 200 pounds and living for 150 years. Despite the ban on their importation, breeding remains legal.
These tortoises need large outdoor spaces, clean water, and protection during colder months. Many buyers are unaware of the extensive care they require. They can be destructive without intending harm because of their sheer size and strength.
Shelters Overwhelmed
Shelters like Eclecteri Tortoise & Reptile Rescue face overwhelming numbers of sulcatas needing homes. They take in around 1,250 annually and direct another 1,000 to other rescues. The Arizona climate facilitates their population growth, exacerbating the issue.
Rex, however, found himself temporarily cared for by a community eager to take care of him. Sara Westfall’s daughter first spotted Rex, mistaking him initially for a lawn ornament. The family’s efforts to make Rex comfortable included preparing hay and creating a shallow pool for him to soak in.
Rex’s Journey
Rex had been bought by Frank Boxberger in a San Diego store about 15 years ago. He was drawn to Rex, partly because they reminded him of dinosaurs. Rex lived in Boxberger’s backyard, even participating in family events, like a wedding, where he carried a cooler.
Due to his digging habits, Boxberger temporarily moved Rex to a different home, hoping to renovate his own backyard. Rex unfortunately escaped when a visitor left the gate open. Westfall’s sign alerting neighbors about Rex’s presence eventually led Boxberger’s daughter to contact the Westfalls.
A New Home for Rex
Garret Beshey, a plumber familiar with the home’s sale, had always wanted a sulcata without resorting to purchasing due to ethical concerns about their breeding. Having found Rex, Beshey decided to adopt him. He set up his backyard to accommodate Rex, starting with hay and a pool.
Deciding on a name for Rex was next on Beshey’s list, with ‘Bowser’ being a strong contender. But first, he needed to coax Rex from his hiding spot with the help of food and patience. Finally, Rex began a new chapter in Beshey’s care, marking the end of his unexpected adventure.