TJ IS PENDING ADOPTION - WE ARE NOT TAKING ANY MORE APPLICATIONS FOR TJ AT THIS TIME

Hi! My name is TJ.

I was brought into the shelter as a stray and when no one came to reclaim me I was transferred to the rescue to find my forever home.

Fun Fact about me! I am a Gulf Coast box turtle, the largest box turtle species. This is also how I got my name.

So a little bit about me, I'm an omnivore which means while bugs are obviously my favorite, I require a diet that also includes leafy greens, lots of veggies, and a touch of fruit. Here is what we found in our research - 'In the wild, they eat a wide variety of foods such as eggs, birds, snakes, salamander, frogs, fish, flowers, roots, berries, worms, insects, slugs, snails, and fungi. They aren’t picky eaters and would eat whatever is available including carrion such as dead mammals, amphibians, and birds.

My foster mom says 'TJ takes a while to warm up to the environment to roam around and eat in front of you. Finally, after 2 months he eats in front of me. He started off as a picky eater, but now loves his food, and cruising around his outdoor enclosure like he is the man of the house. Ha! He is so unique. Just the coolest dude. TJ is looking for someone who is willing to try many different (appropriate) foods, and keep trying them. Give him time to warm up, and just don’t give up. He will rule his home and tackle all the food eventually.'

While omnivorous, these turtles are mainly carnivorous when young, from age 0 to 6. Adults are mainly herbivorous although they don’t like green leaves.' - So it's not just me. Don't worry though, the rescue has come up with a few tricks to help me eat what I should and we can share them with you too.

Though there is no way to really tell what age I am, based on my size I am an adult. My species can live up to 40 years or longer, like over 100 years! if we have a lean, high-fiber diet and a low-stress environment with the right temps and light we can live a really long time. Bringing me into your family is a lifelong commitment, for both of us, and possibly generational!

I require an outdoor enclosure and possibly a safe place inside when the weather is bad. Unlike tortoises, you will need to ensure that my outdoor enclosure retains a higher humidity. My kind are not native here as we typically dwell in a marshier humid habitat. Don't worry, the rescue will provide you with all of the information that you will need to prepare for my arrival :)

If you think we may be a good match, or you would like to get to know me better, please click the Adoption Application button below and an adoption counselor will reach back out to you!

PLEASE NOTE:
1- We can only accept applications from interested parties who are in or near San Diego County, California at this time.
2- We do not ship reptiles but we may be willing to work with you if you are willing to travel if you are still in Southern California.
3- #2 will depend on the animal that you are applying for and is at the discretion of the board of directors.