A giant tortoise believed to have been abandoned in Bognor Regis has found a new role as an educational ambassador for a Sussex reptile charity.
Tip Toe, a Sulcata tortoise, was handed to The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre after being discovered by a member of the public.
Native to the grasslands of Africa, Sulcata tortoises are the third-largest tortoise species in the world. They can weigh more than 100kg and live for over 70 years, requiring considerable space, specialist care and a lifelong commitment from their owners.
Tip Toe will remain with the charity as its mascot while suitable long-term specialist accommodation is developed. He will help educate people at schools, care homes, community events and fundraising activities across Sussex.
Benjamin Checkley, Founder and Operations Manager of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre, said: "When Tip Toe arrived, we knew he was something special. He's incredibly calm, full of character and has already won the hearts of everyone who has met him, so far, we’ve taken him to a school fayre and care home and he very quickly became the star of the show. We have decided he'll stay with us as our mascot, helping us educate people about responsible reptile ownership and the realities of caring for one of the world's largest tortoise species."
Tip Toe has settled in well at the rescue and is being given a carefully managed diet of grasses, weeds and leafy plants.
The charity hopes his story will encourage prospective exotic pet owners to carry out thorough research before taking an animal home.
Benjamin added: "Sulcata tortoises don't stay small. They can eventually weigh over 100kg and live for decades. Sadly, we believe many are abandoned because people simply weren't prepared for that commitment. Through Tip Toe, we want to show people just how rewarding these incredible animals can be when they're given the right care."
The registered charity rescues and rehabilitates reptiles while promoting responsible ownership and animal welfare.
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