You may remember Mauricio, the tortoise who was part of our rehabilitation and release program. When he was brought to us, he was in pretty good shape after someone decided to keep him as a pet. Sadly, he had an “M” carved into his shell by some unknown person. Mauricio wasn’t used to existing on his own and having to sustain himself off the land. He was housed in one of the rehab yards for several months, learning the behaviors he’d need to survive in the wild. Once he was released, we saw him occasionally; he’d pop up here and there, we’d give him a little bit of fruits and vegetables, and he’d move along.
This week he popped in again after not seeing him for about 6 months. We saw him out of the corner of our eye, drinking water from an overflow. We gave him some fresh water to make sure he was nice and hydrated, a slice of watermelon, and a couple pieces of apple. After his snack, he went on his way.
One of the difficult parts of working with wildlife in a release capacity is that often you don’t know if they’re okay on their return to the wild; that’s the reality of the work. We might see deer on the property, but will never know if that’s one we’ve worked with. The female tapirs stop by during the dry season for fallen mangoes and to drink from one of the water dishes, but we don’t see the males come through. You just have to hope that everyone is okay and thriving. So, we were happy to see Mauricio make his way through the sanctuary on his way to wherever he wanted to go.
P.S.: This video has great sound effects. Much like with elephants and melons, hearing a tortoise crunch on an apple is incredibly satisfying.
Comments(8) 









- PO Box 2426
- Brentwood, TN 37024
- (615) 435-9523







- Ways to Support
- GSE Merchandise
- Privacy Policy
Title USD
Charlotte Hansen says
October 1, 2022 at 2:25 pmGood to see the big fellow! I’m also going to enjoy some apple-munching–he made me want one!
Lynne Russert says
October 1, 2022 at 2:39 pmLove it! I have 3 redfoots myself!!!
Tammy says
October 1, 2022 at 2:46 pmHe’s such a handsome guy and just lovin those treats! I wish him sunshine and happy trails a very free peaceful long amazing life with his family and hope he comes back real soon to say hey to you all 😊💞
Carey says
October 1, 2022 at 3:10 pmI bet it was great to see him again and know he was doing well, nice for me to see him too, chomping on that apple! Very dinosaur looking I always think. Do they hibernate there? Ie through the dry season?
Kat Blais says
October 1, 2022 at 3:40 pmhonestly, i’m not sure. he looks good and feels heavy.
Alana says
October 1, 2022 at 5:22 pmOne hansom fellow!
Alejandra Enquin says
October 1, 2022 at 8:30 pmEmociona ver a Mauricio tan bien verlo libre en una visita corta que aprovecho para saludar, dar fe de vida y seguro ,conociendolos a ustedes, sabia que algo rico le iban a dar 🙏❤️y cuesta verlo partir pero mas alegra saber lo feliz que se siente en la vida salvaje.
Pierrette Walraevens says
October 2, 2022 at 12:16 amHappy to see him back nd doing well 👍 Love to hear de sound Mauricio makes when eating the appel Beautiful Stay Safe Gorgeous Sweet Boy Mauricio ❤️🥰🐢🍏🥰❤️
Subscribe to our Blog
Shop & Support Elephants
Visit our online store and and help spread the word about the need for sanctuary for captive elephants.
Give Through Our Wishlist
Shop and choose a treat or much-needed item for one of the elephants.
Categories
Archives
Global Sanctuary for Elephants
Stay connected with our herd
MISSION: Protecting, rescuing, and providing sanctuary for elephants worldwide.
Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt, public charity status (EIN 46-3564818) and all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
© Global Sanctuary for Elephants. All Rights Reserved
Your ticket for the: Mauricio’s Return
Mauricio’s Return