The right animal for the right keeper

Sulcata tortoises are not for everyone — they need space, warmth, strength (they are powerful animals), and multi-decade commitment. But for the right keeper with the right setup, they are the most rewarding reptile imaginable. My sulcata is 20 years old, in magnificent health, and a source of constant wonder. He eats from my hand, allows me to clean his shell, and seems genuinely content in his large, warm outdoor enclosure. An extraordinary privilege to keep.