All About Russian Tortoises!

Various species of tortoise have "gone mainstream" across the globe when it comes to the trade involved with them. Sulcata, red foot, leopard, Hermann's and even elongated tortoises have shown up in collections, rescues and pet expos in large numbers but one tortoise really seems to take the cake, especially here in the United States. The Russian or Horsfield's tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) has been a long time favorite in herpetoculture and its size, personality and climate tolerance prove why. Sadly, Russian tortoises are ripped out of their native lands and shipped to other countries for the demanding pet trade at significant numbers and this has gone on for what seems like forever. They are now listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and surely will make it to at least threatened in the coming years. Regardless, they are here to stay as they remain one of, if not the most heavily traded and kept tortoise species. At Garden State Tortoise we take in Russian tortoise rescues more than any other tortoise species. They're a bulldozer of a tortoise, full of charisma and people just LOVE them. Unfortunately, many keepers don't provide for them properly so in this video we cover that, proper identification and even a little bit about their flight to the moon.....yes, the MOON.

Who is Garden State Tortoise?

However you made it here, thank you and welcome to Garden State Tortoise. Garden State Tortoise is home to hundreds of animals from all around the world. We are a family dedicated to adventure, conservation of wildlife, and all things nature. We are a reptile rescue and breeding facility for more than ten years, offering refuge to those who need it, and working everyday to protect the beautiful world of reptiles in any way we can. Here on our YouTube channel you will be able to join us on our animal adventures while learning how to care for, protect, properly identify, feed and even breed many species of turtle, tortoise, snake and lizard. We even work with frogs and salamanders! We hope you enjoy our videos and help us share them with the world so we can continue to educate people of all ages about herpetology.

Chris and Casey Leone

[valeriegleason]

I have a Russian tortoise male. He is very sociable and knows his name. He wakes up in the morning when he hears us and looks for us from his terrarium. He comes over to us when we put our hands in and sniffs our hands and touches them with his front feet. He then proceeds to climb us our arms. He loves to sit on me and when I let him out and run around the kitchen, when I call him, he comes to me! He is like a little puppy dog! I am totally amazed with my little guy and love him dearly. I have had him for a couple of years now and he seems to be doing great! Thank you for your videos and for all of your great information! I was wondering though, is it normal for a tortoise to come to you when you call his name? I think this is very unusual for a reptile. But if you could let me know that would be awesome!

[sunofnihl]

The only reason I have a Russian Tortoise is because I found him out wandering around the City. 10 years later, he's still a very healthy guy and has grown to be very social with people!

[klausb]

They're so cute trying to walk while you're holding them 😊

[yeahletsunpackthat]

4 days ago I got a text from our favorite pet store a couple hours away. They had a 10 ish year old Russian, who had not had a great life thus far. He was kept in a 40 gallon tank, Shell has some damage, scutes battered, he’s deficient and seems to be unsure of eating leafy things.. we’ve named him grumpy. My son and I have loved your channel and.. you are the reason he has his very own juvenile red foot!!
We are excited to see how grumpy acclimates and how he thrives. We would have never even thought to be tortie owners (I love my turtles) but here we are! Thank you for everything! Without you and the content you make; we would never have found our soul pets! ❤

[QueAquatics]

I share this video with anyone who is adopting one of my Russian tortoises. Today a 15 year old boy is going home with tank with the understanding that he will always have a “home” here with me if for any reason. His mom is excited to be backup care taker when college years come his way. And thank you for today’s video about these guys being banned from export! Thank you for all you and your family do

[sijamm]

I have a partially western Herman’s tortoise that we “saved” from a breeder that had him in horrible conditions but he’s happy and healthy with us and our other tortoise (we live in Scotland)

[robinr]

Just adopted our first Russian tortoise this year. She is so fun!

[RobinNichols-tpmn]

Simon is my Russian tortoise, he's got a great personality. Very hearty, very bold. Awesome little guy!

[kasia]

Thank you so much for showing your love for a tortoise that can so often be overlooked. I have 2 male captive bred Russians and love them so much, so full of personality but both have very different personalities.

[candctortoises]

Chris and Casey, your content is always very inspiring and informative, even for experienced keepers/breeders! Thanks for another outstanding video!

[cheloniachris]

Wonderful video! As I keep a bunch of "russians" for more than 37 years here in Germany, I have an important information which is missing in your video. The males are, reaching adultness, really aggressive against females and, even more, against other male tortoises. I have to sepparate them from each other, otherwise they will injure each other heavily. This is a factor everyone should be aware of, if someone is going to get this species.

[beverlyjensen]

Excellent video! You are an accomplished speaker; comfortable and confident and the information you casually offer is excellent. Thank you both so much!

[mattwable]

I am about to get a russian tortoise, so this was very helpful!
I hope you can continue to do this, to help people!

[nutmeg]

Love your “Perestroika” with Russian tortoises! How can we not have world peace with these guys?

[katielyn]

I would love a video like this about the Hermann's tortoise! Lots of great information 🙂

[kaltwasseraquaristik]

Her most common name here in Germany is four-toed tortoise.

[jonmoore]

Was hoping you would do a video on these lovely animals. Our male is a real character and we want to build him a better outdoor enclosure, your video really helpful. Also really appreciate you reminding viewers to only buy captive bred. Keep up the good work!

[okaki_tortoise]

Nice video!! I would like to see more russian tortoise videos🐢

[Whiterosesandpeacelilies]

They are beautiful rescues.Yes, research is important.Thank you

[usnchief]

Dude, I just love your channel! Keep up the great work.