When the Arizona Game & Fish Department announced its new conservation program for Sonoran Desert Tortoises, Savannah Antillon wanted to participate.
Since owning, breeding, and holding this species of tortoise captive is illegal in the state of Arizona, the department had to think of a solution.
They made an amazing program where individuals could sign up to be a custodian of the tortoises, the department previously rescued.
However, there was a catch. For Savannah to be able to adopt one of these magnificent creatures, she had to adapt her backyard.
This meant Savannah had to build a burrow, plant native plants this species feeds on, and make sure the tortoise had enough space to roam around.
Once she got approved by the department, it was time for Savannah to find her perfect shelled companion. As she said in one of her posts:
“I saw Georgie and I fell in love with her, because they said she was 30 years old, which is the same age as me. And tortoises live a very long time, they can be like a 100 years old. And so I love the idea that we’re gonna grow old together.”
Once Savannah brought Georgie home, the two hit it off right away. However, Savannah soon realized that Georgie was different.
Instead of munching on all the native plants and cacti Savannah brought her, Georgie only wanted to eat weeds.
Savannah assumed that poor Georgie was probably not properly fed by her previous owner, and the only thing she was used to was weeds growing in the backyard.
She knew she had to slowly introduce her to a new diet, but in the meantime, Savannah had to figure out where to get more weed for her girl Georgie.
She had an idea that soon proved to be absolutely amazing. Savannah sent an email to her neighbors explaining the situation with Georgie.
She asked if it were possible to come around with Georgie and pick up some weeds for her to eat. What she didn’t expect was an amazing response from her local community.
Everyone wanted to help feed sweet Georgie. The neighbors would handpick weeds and prickly pears for her, and leave it in front of their doors!
Savannah was amazed by the kindness of the people around her! Everyone was super involved in helping Georgie have her daily dose of weeds!
Over time Savannah slowly introduced her to different cacti and plants and she slowly expanded her daily menu!
It was also super important for Savannah to make sure Georgie was well-fed before she dozed off into hibernation!
If you ask me, Georgie ended up in a perfect forever home! I wish Savannah and Georgie many happy and healthy years together!