Lost 100-Pound Tortoise Reunited with Owner, Finds New Home
Similar Articles
Girl Discovers Endangered Axolotl in Welsh River, Family Cares for It
Captive Breeding Program in Nagaland Averts Asian Giant Tortoise Extinction
New Reptile Species Sonselasuchus Cedrus Identified from Petrified Forest Fossils
Dog Rescued from 13-Story Ledge After Two-Day Ordeal in Sydney
European Wildcats Return to Czech Mountains After Century-Long Absence
A giant sulcata tortoise named Rex, found wandering a suburban Phoenix street, has been reunited with his original owner and is moving to a new permanent home. The tortoise, estimated to be 35 years old, escaped from a temporary residence and was cared for by a foster family for five days. Rex's story highlights the challenges of caring for a species that is prolific in Arizona's climate and often ends up in rescues.
Facts First
- Rex, a 100-plus pound sulcata tortoise, was found on a Phoenix street and fostered by Brian and Sara Westfall.
- The tortoise was reunited with his original owner, Frank Boxberger, who had owned him for about 15 years.
- Rex escaped when a gate was left open at a home where he was temporarily staying.
- Garret Beshey is adopting Rex and transported him from the foster home.
- Sulcata tortoises are prolific in Arizona, with local rescues taking in thousands annually due to the favorable climate for breeding.
What Happened
Rex, a giant sulcata tortoise, was found walking down a sidewalk in suburban Phoenix. He was spotted by Sara Westfall's 5-year-old daughter. The Westfall family fostered Rex in Scottsdale, Arizona, providing him with hay, a shallow pool, carrots, and an unmowed lawn for grazing while searching for his owner. Approximately five days later, Rex's original owner, Frank Boxberger, was contacted. Boxberger had purchased Rex at a San Diego pet store roughly 15 years ago, and the tortoise had lived in his Arizona backyard for that time. Rex had been temporarily staying at Boxberger's mother's house... and Boxberger believes the tortoise escaped when a person touring the home left a gate open. Plumber Garret Beshey is now adopting Rex and transported the 100-plus pound tortoise in his truck after retrieving him from oleander bushes.
Why this Matters to you
If you live in Arizona, you may be more likely to encounter a large, wandering tortoise like Rex. The state's climate allows sulcata eggs to hatch easily, and rescues take in thousands annually, which suggests the population of these large pets may be growing beyond what owners can manage. This could lead to more escaped animals in neighborhoods. For pet owners, Rex's story is a reminder to secure gates and understand the long-term commitment required for an animal that can live up to 150 years and weigh 200 pounds.
What's Next
Rex will begin his new life with his adopter, Garret Beshey. For the species broadly, the high intake numbers at Arizona rescues... indicate the challenge of managing sulcata populations is likely to continue. Potential owners may want to research thoroughly before acquiring one, given their size, longevity, and the legal context—the U.S. banned their importation in the early 2000s, though breeding remains legal.