General Question

[LittleBit]

So we all live in different states and environments, and I am just curious But...

Wouldn't a good source of information come from a local Zoo. Not talking to a zoo keeper but rather, looking at how they rearrange there torts???

Asking because our local zoo, I seen in the news has a tort that's 80 years old. So they must be doing something right??? or is that just luck?

 

[TechnoCheese]

Sadly, not really. A lot of times, zoos follow and give out old and outdated information, or take shortcuts with Care because it’s easier or saves money(like having a small enclosure full of sand, mixing species, etc.), and since tortoises are amazingly hardy and very hard to kill, they assume that since they’re still living, it’s fine. Not all zoos are like this, of course, but it can be hard to find zoos with very good tortoise care.

 

[Yvonne G]

Definitely NOT! Zoos have a vet on salary and they can mix species and do all sorts of things a private keeper should not do. Also, the folks at the zoos employ mostly young kids who have no or very little knowledge, and the folks in charge don't take the time to update their own knowledge. There are exceptions, naturally, but I'd rather get my information from folks like those here, folks who actually take care of the tortoises and learn new and cutting edge stuff every day.

 

[LittleBit]

Perfect and with depth in thoughts and emotions, thank you kindly for answering!

 

[wccmog10]

Yvonne brings up a good point about having a veterinarian on staff- should things go awry it is easier for a zoo to try and fix the problem.

A point that comes to my mind is this- do they tell you everything? I feel like most people on this forum are being forthcoming- but a lot of times people try to hide mistakes, or things that they do as a shortcut, that they know to be a bad idea. This withholding information is just human nature- does not matter if it is the best zoo in the world, or a guy with a bunch of tortoises in his backyard. People just don’t like to share their mistakes as much as their successes. So, unless you know people at the zoo personally, and have a good relationship with them where you can have these conversations, I’m not so sure they are the “best” place to get your information. Your best sources of information will be from anyone (zoo or private citizen) who has had success and failure and is willing to tell you about all of it.

 

[LittleBit]

Very good point, Being human nature, those who discuss failure are more open individuals. I agree totally, in aspects of life the more open a person is the better friendship they can offer whether it be advice and or support. Thanks, great advice!