My deepest condolences to Jerry Fife

wellington

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It is very sad. I can't believe they would think they could easily run off with a tortoise of that size. Then to run over it how sick. I say eye for an eye, but too many people think creeps lives are worth something.
This is a good reason why tortoises should be locked up at night. Not sure though how you get a 200 pounder plus in a shed if it doesn't want to.
 

Tom

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It is very sad. I can't believe they would think they could easily run off with a tortoise of that size. Then to run over it how sick. I say eye for an eye, but too many people think creeps lives are worth something.
This is a good reason why tortoises should be locked up at night. Not sure though how you get a 200 pounder plus in a shed if it doesn't want to.
You and I see this the same Barb. I have no sympathy and not one gram of mercy for those monsters. They don't deserve the oxygen they are breathing.

I have a terrific new mentor that recently showed me how to move them with a heavy duty tipple Rubbermade cart. It works for up to about 250 pounders and is fairly easy for one person to do. After that size you'd need a tractor or 2 peopled and a wheeled platform or something along those lines. Seeing this reaffirms my already ingrained predilection for having all my tortoises accounted for and locked up every single night. It would not be easy with giants, but losing a part of your heart after 27 years doesn't seem easy either.
 

Yvonne G

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It is very sad. I can't believe they would think they could easily run off with a tortoise of that size. Then to run over it how sick. I say eye for an eye, but too many people think creeps lives are worth something.
This is a good reason why tortoises should be locked up at night. Not sure though how you get a 200 pounder plus in a shed if it doesn't want to.
That's why I had to sell my two. Once in a while one or the other of them wouldn't go into the shed at night and at around 200lbs it was beyond my capability to put them away.
 

ArmadilloPup

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I remember reading about this. Graphic heartbreaking description that stuck with me: He described how the tortoise still recognized him and was trying to get to him even as it was lying cut in pieces and dying.

Thieves here will open a gate and drive in like they own the place. Chains discourage, but don't stop them. They trespass on to rural properties mostly to steal metal to scrap, but they will also steal dogs, goats, just about anything they can sell for meth money.
 

Tom

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You have to wonder what the end game these guys had in mind. Then again, they probably didn't have much of a plan.

How could they just drive up to where the tortoise was?
I've been to Jerry's place and going from old memory and the video, it appears they must have cut the lock on one of the vehicle access gates with bolt cutters. I like to see those same bolt cutters used on their fingers. One at a time.
 

Skip K

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It is very sad. I can't believe they would think they could easily run off with a tortoise of that size. Then to run over it how sick. I say eye for an eye, but too many people think creeps lives are worth something.
This is a good reason why tortoises should be locked up at night. Not sure though how you get a 200 pounder plus in a shed if it doesn't want to.
It’s a MAJOR hassle to bring all our torts out of the house every morning and bring them in at night. Their enclosures are winged and 4 legged predator proof...but not 2 legged predator proof. There is no way to stop a determined scum bag from getting in most outdoor enclosures no matter how secure. If they want our torts...they need to come in the house...which I promise you..they will regret ( but only for a short while). This, unfortunately, is why I go through all this trouble and we don’t have a larger group of animals.
 
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Tolis

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@Tom I know you dont like kamp kenan but
You and I see this the same Barb. I have no sympathy and not one gram of mercy for those monsters. They don't deserve the oxygen they are breathing.

I have a terrific new mentor that recently showed me how to move them with a heavy duty tipple Rubbermade cart. It works for up to about 250 pounders and is fairly easy for one person to do. After that size you'd need a tractor or 2 peopled and a wheeled platform or something along those lines. Seeing this reaffirms my already ingrained predilection for having all my tortoises accounted for and locked up every single night. It would not be easy with giants, but losing a part of your heart after 27 years doesn't seem easy either.
I know you are not a big fan of kamp kenan but he's using a wheelbarrow from a popular US vendor that seems very suited for loading in big sulcatas.
He's also using a technique that I believe he learned from Sam Pascucci, he gently and repeatedly (annoyingly) knocks on the tortoise's back with a stick that makes it move forward so you can slowly direct them where you want.
 

Jlsretics

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I was sad to see that Jerry lost a 26 year old tortoise when it was run over by thieves.
Members here with expensive tortoises should not hesitate to invest heavily in security.

Jerry actually hatched Jasmine 27 years ago and raised her up to an egg-laying adult! 27 years is longer than most humans have been in his life!! There isn't anything too horrible that could be done to these 2 scumbags!! Tortoises are so gentle, inquisitive and personable and to lose her life like this is unthinkable. She was peacefully sleeping at her home when she was startled awake, awkwardly carried then dropped and ran over. A majestic animal that could of lived 200 years....gone. Jasmine's life was worth more than both of the thieves combined. I wouldn't mind of they ended up in a shallow desert grave!!
 

shellcior

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It is very sad. I can't believe they would think they could easily run off with a tortoise of that size. Then to run over it how sick. I say eye for an eye, but too many people think creeps lives are worth something.
This is a good reason why tortoises should be locked up at night. Not sure though how you get a 200 pounder plus in a shed if it doesn't want to.
Karma will find them...
 

shellcior

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Jerry actually hatched Jasmine 27 years ago and raised her up to an egg-laying adult! 27 years is longer than most humans have been in his life!! There isn't anything too horrible that could be done to these 2 scumbags!! Tortoises are so gentle, inquisitive and personable and to lose her life like this is unthinkable. She was peacefully sleeping at her home when she was startled awake, awkwardly carried then dropped and ran over. A majestic animal that could of lived 200 years....gone. Jasmine's life was worth more than both of the thieves combined. I wouldn't mind of they ended up in a shallow desert grave!!
Agreed 100%%%%
 
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