Since the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act a few years ago there is an increased burden of reponsibility on owners to provide a legal duty of care for the welfare needs of their pet. It is therefore vital that should someone acquire an animal with specific needs that they have thoroughly researched it's requirements.

Fortunately for "Mork" and "Mindy" their arrival at their new home as a wedding present for their owners has been met with the mature and thorough approach, that their welfare demands. A trip to the vets is always a good place to start and where we may not have expertise in every species we can usually point them in the right direction!

At only a few inches across "Mork" and "Mindy" are still very young and unlike most pets may outlive their owners if cared for properly. Their diet should be relatively simple, made up of leafy greens (75%) with vegetables and fruit making up the remainder. Their ability to climb and escape from enclosures is legendary and their owners will need to make the necessary adjustments to account for their small size.

Hibernation is the biggest worry facing most tortoises and their owners. Sadly, many have been caught out with this most recent severe and prolonged weather which has accounted for a significant mortality rate across the UK. My advice to "Mork" and "Mindy" would be to avoid such harsh conditions wherever possible. (Good advice for anyone I think. . . me included). Fortunately, "Mork and Mindy's" owners already own a heated vivarium which should provide the perfect winter retreat. Anyone with any further interest in tortoises should consider visiting these websites, Leicester Tortoise Society
Tortoise Trust Forum