La. (KNOE) – Come take a walk on the wild side! You can feed the Sulcata, or African-spurred, tortoises at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe
This species is from the desert-like regions of Africa. General Curator Lisa Taylor says they are the third-largest tortoise species in the world.
They are known as “spurred” tortoises because of the spurs on their arms and legs, which help them burrow.
“They’re excellent diggers; they tend to create really deep tunnel systems to stay out of the heat, since they live in places where the sun beats down on them,” explained zookeeper Al Hodges. “We have given them a lovely shaded area here.”
They are common in the pet trade.
“They can live anywhere from 70 to 100 years; that’s one of the things that has to be considered if you do try to get one as a pet,” said Hodges.
These guys can get up to 150 pounds.
“I call them living bulldozers because they like to push stuff around,” said Taylor. “It will push out of fences and could do damage to your home.”
You can feed the tortoises at the zoo, too!
“You’ll get a piece of greens, hold it on a little clothespin; they’ll munch on it,” said Hodges. “Then return the pin to Wade or me.”
They feed tortoises a few times a day, but only when the weather is warm enough. You can get tickets at the front office.
You can also feed the budgies.
The new Louisiana Purchase Exhibit is very close to being finished! They’ve opened up that space so you can go into the Reptile Building and are going to start moving animals into their new homes slowly.
Call the zoo at 318-329-2400 for more information.
You can also volunteer. Contact the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society through theirFacebook page.
The zoo is open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Clickherefor a breakdown of their prices.
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