I took in a pair of Russian tortoises that belonged to an elderly woman who was afraid they would outlive her. My reptile veterinarian is the one who recommended me to take them in. I was nervous to do so because they were not well cared for and are a male and female who have been housed together for sixteen years or so. Their estimated age is between eighteen and twenty and they were first purchased at a Petco. I have had the female checked regularly to make sure she is not being harmed by the male- the veterinarian recommended I continue to house them together. The female has never laid a fertile egg and her vent seems to be fine. The male often appears to miss his target, usually positioning himself on the side. I am curious as to whether or not the female is actually a Russian due to her golden tones and facial structure. My veterinarian is not familiar with the different species, tending more to snakes.