FREEPORT, Fla. — Two African Spurred Tortoises have been transferred from Gulf World Marine Park to Alaqua Animal Refuge following concerns over animal care conditions at the Panama City Beach facility, according to Alaqua.
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The tortoises, both estimated to be around 40 years old, were surrendered to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and later placed at Alaqua. The male tortoises — a 77-pound animal named Chewbacca and a 120-pound animal named Mr. Leia — are now receiving specialized care at Alaqua’s Freeport sanctuary.
While Alaqua does not care for marine wildlife, the organization agreed to take in the land-dwelling reptiles and provide them with a permanent, species-appropriate environment.
“This was about giving Chewbacca and Mr. Leia the kind of care every animal deserves — room to roam, a species-appropriate habitat, and the peace of a true sanctuary,” said Laurie Hood, Founder and President of Alaqua.
“They’ve spent decades on display. Now they get to just be tortoises.”
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African Spurred Tortoises, also called Sulcata tortoises, are one of the largest tortoise species in the world. Native to the edge of the Sahara Desert, they can live more than 70 years and require heat, space, and a highly specific diet.
Often kept as exotic pets, they are frequently surrendered when their care becomes too complex.
Alaqua says Chewbacca and Mr. Leia will eventually become part of the refuge’s educational programming, helping to raise awareness about exotic pet ownership and the responsibilities that come with it.
The refuge says the tortoises’ arrival reinforces Alaqua’s mission to serve as a safe haven for animals with nowhere else to go.
