Hermann's Tortoise

Tortoises have a reputation for being solitary and dull, which my Hermann's has comprehensively disproved. She patrols her enclosure purposefully, investigates anything new, and has distinct preferences and dislikes. She will come to greet me at the garden fence and follow me around if I enter her a…

People read "50-100 year lifespan" and intellectually understand it, but emotionally underestimate it. My Hermann's is 18 years old and I'm already thinking about who will care for her when I'm too old. She will likely outlive everyone in my immediate family. I've updated my will to arrange for her …

My Hermann's tortoise has learned that the yellow flowers of dandelions are a favourite treat. Whenever I pick dandelions from the garden she hears the rustle and comes trundling over at surprising speed. For an animal reputedly slow, she can move quickly when motivated. Her enthusiasm for food is e…

My Hermann's tortoise is 35 years old and was already an adult when I received her from my aunt. She could live another 50 years. There is something profound about caring for an animal that has its own history, that has outlived owners, and that will likely outlive me too. She's healthy, active, and…

Hermann's tortoises must hibernate — attempting to keep them active year-round causes health problems. I dry-hibernate mine in a cool garage (8–12°C) from November to March in a box of substrate. The first winter was nerve-wracking but she woke up in spring perfectly healthy and immediately demanded…

I have a large garden with a dedicated tortoise enclosure — planted with appropriate herbs, clover, plantain, and safe wildflowers. My Hermann's tortoise has lived outdoors (with an insulated indoor heated section for cool nights) for eight years. She's in perfect health, has beautiful shell growth,…