Please welcome Zola

zolasmum

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Hello, I'm Angie, and I have been hovering in the background of the forum for a long time, learning a great deal, and getting to know a bit about some of the members. It has been very interesting, but I think it's time I ventured on a post.
Our Hermanns tortoise, Zola, has recently celebrated his 20th birthday. He has an unusual lifestyle, but it seems to suit him.
Zola is very strong and healthy, and weighs about one kilo, but you will notice a split in his shell, above his head. When we got him, at about a year old, there was just a tiny nick there, - we were told he had probably been stepped on, when his shell was still soft, and he might have internal injuries. He really wasn't all that well, but he had great fighting spirit, and allowed us to hand feed him - especially cucumber, as he wouldn't drink- and put drops in his swollen eyes. Over time, he bonded with us, and wanted to be with us ( and we with him ) as much as possible.
We live in the South-West UK, on the Devon/Cornwall border ,and a few miles from the sea. We are retired, and like to go out and explore the lovely countryside around us. So after about a year, we decided to try taking Zola with us. We went (with him on my lap in the car) to a pretty stream where he was able to get close to the running water and walk beside it. He seemed very happy with the whole experience, but when we got home, he had what I can only describe as a tantrum, waving his head, arms and legs about furiously! So we interpreted this as meaning that he wanted us to take him out again - soon - and that is what we have done !
For 18 years he hes gone out with us everywhere - every day.
His dad (Richard) carries him in his hand when we are walking anywhere (or under his jacket if it is a bit cold) and he sits happily on my lap in the car -often falling asleep.
He has been to all sorts of places - on the nearby moor - where he once helped rescue a lamb - in underground caverns, through a bluebell wood, to small fishing villages and seaside towns, - and especially to look at the sea. He stretches his neck out as far as he can, and watches the water, following the waves intently.
In fact, Zola nearly always has his neck out so he can get a good view of everything, and people we meet often remark on this and say how intelligent he looks.
We do meet a lot of people, who are often very interested in him - tortoises are not all that common as pets in the UK, and of course we have no native ones. Many people say they have never seen a tortoise before - we often let people touch his shell - we even let a few special people hold him, and they are ecstatic with delight.
Zola is very good with babies,- and especially talented at stopping small children crying !
Living in a rather touristy area, we meet a lot of foreigners, and we always ask for the word "Tortoise" in their own language . So far we have a list of over 40 words !
Having Zola has transformed our lives - through him we have met many interesting people, and some have remained friends years later.
He has his own email address, and sends occasional photos to his friends . But absolutely no Facebook or Instagram.
Zola is a very happy chap, and has no health problems since recovering from his injury at the beginning. He has his beak trimmed regularly by a vet who has tortoises of his own and who is very impressed with how strong he is, but also how calm and tolerant about being handled. He describes him as "Fantastic!"
Altogether we consider ourselves very lucky to have him, and want to do our best to give him a happy life. I realise not everyone might approve of his unusual lifestyle, but he enjoys it, and to us that is what matters.
Here is a photo of Zola at Easter.

04_sm.jpg
 

Ink

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Welcome to the forum! Cute tortoise
 

Yvonne G

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I'm happy to finally meet you (and Zola)! Thanks for the lovely introduction story!
 

zolasmum

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I'm happy to finally meet you (and Zola)! Thanks for the lovely introduction story!
Thankyou, Yvonne -I am very happy to meet you at last - I have been reading all your posts for a long time and I very much appreciate your knowledge.
 

Chubbs the tegu

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Well, I'm a Brit, and theres no way I will ever really understand USA politics, so no offence intended. And the other guy in the cauldron is our prime minister, after all.
And i never take offense! Im very offensive haha
 

Sarah2020

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Welcome. Sounds like Zola is a well travelled, adventurous, pampered tort! Enjoy the forum and a great place to get hints and tips.
 

KarenSoCal

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Welcome!

Your story is delightful! Just because most torts wouldn't enjoy Zola's lifestyle doesn't preclude the one who is the exception.

As more people keep more torts for more years I think they will slowly domesticate. Maybe in a long time we'll see torts be more like dogs...well, maybe more like cats. Torts and cats share their air of superiority.:tort:?
 

TeamZissou

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Interesting color for a Hermann's. You almost never see one that is nearly all yellow like Zola.

It's also interesting that Zola lacks a nuchal scute.
 

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