With a name like Frank the Tank, you might think nothing could stop the 16-kilogram sulcata tortoise, but wandering alone on farmland near Richmond, B.C., certainly slowed him down.
Shelley Smith was one of the first to spot Frank moving slowly in a field of bok choy near her house about two weeks ago, just before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Smith said several construction workers nearby pointed to something that looked like a rock. Then the rock moved.
害羞草研究所淚 was like, 害羞草研究所極h 害羞草研究所� It害羞草研究所檚 a freaking turtle wandering along very slowly,害羞草研究所� said Smith. 害羞草研究所淚 am like, 害羞草研究所業 can害羞草研究所檛 leave you here.害羞草研究所櫤π卟菅芯克鶟
One of the construction workers helped her pick up the tortoise and it was placed in a plastic kiddie pool that she originally bought for her dog.
She then reached out to the SPCA for help.
害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檙e all petting him, and his feet were massive. They look like elephant feet,害羞草研究所� she said, adding that it was an awesome experience to have a close encounter with a tortoise.
When the SPCA later asked on the phone about the animal害羞草研究所檚 size, possibly comparing it to a small plate, Smith had to correct their assumptions.
害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 the size of a giant serving platter that you are going to put a turkey (on) that you have cooked for 24 people,害羞草研究所� she recalled telling them.
Frank was picked up by the society and went on to an animal hospital in Maple Ridge for a health check. The Maple Ridge Community Animal Centre later provided foster care.
Dr. Adrian Walton, lead veterinarian and owner of Dewdney Animal Hospital, said when Frank was first brought in, he appeared to be a bit on the quiet and lethargic side.
The tortoise had an upper respiratory infection after being outside in the cold, he said.
The tortoise is endangered in its native Africa, but Walton said they lay many eggs and juveniles sold in Canada can range in price from $450 to $750, he said. They are often smuggled in, he added.
Sulcata tortoises can live 100 to 150 years and reach up to 90 kilograms and are 害羞草研究所渧ery curious and strong diggers,害羞草研究所� Walton said.
Anyone thinking about adopting Frank would need 害羞草研究所渞einforced housing害羞草研究所� and shelter inside through the winter months, he said.
Kahlee Demers, manager at the Maple Ridge Community Animal Centre, said it害羞草研究所檚 the first time a tortoise has been brought into their shelter, describing him as 害羞草研究所渟toic, docile and large.害羞草研究所�
No one came forward to claim him, she said.
害羞草研究所淥nce I got him into his foster home, I asked his foster home dad what he would like to call him, and his response was Frank the Tank.
害羞草研究所淗e is such a big guy, and he is gonna be even bigger,害羞草研究所� said Demers, adding 害羞草研究所渢he name suits him.害羞草研究所�
Demers said they have been trying to make Frank害羞草研究所檚 living space as natural as possible by providing him with hay and grass, which is his primary diet.
Demers said tons of people have already reached out, saying they want to adopt Frank, but they are only accepting applications from people who are experienced reptile owners.
The mystery remains about where Frank came from.
Smith said when she found Frank he was heading east, but the neighbour next door doesn害羞草研究所檛 own him.
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