Blog

The Return of Michelangelo

January 11, 2026

At Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, we’ve worked with multiple tortoises as part of our rehabilitation and release program. This Sunday, we’re smiling about a visit from one of them, the charming Michelangelo. We tend to see our “graduate” tortoises a couple of times a year–or maybe not at all. (You might remember Mauricio, another friendly little guy who we saw a good bit of a couple of years ago.) Little Michelangelo was one of the friendliest, but he doesn’t come around seeking attention, only snacks. We always oblige and he goes on his way. 

P.S.: If you enjoy crunchy noises, we invite you to watch to the end of the video for some satisfying tiny chomps.

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Comments(15)

  1. REPLY
    Ada says
    January 11, 2026 at 2:11 pm

    You sure are gorgeous, Michaelangelo!😍Loving the chomping sounds you make. So nice to see the other residents in this beautiful sanctuary🥰

    • REPLY
      Lucia says
      January 11, 2026 at 5:30 pm

      It’s so exciting to see ALL the beautiful beings you help survive! Your work is phenomenal and inspiring. So hard to believe anyone would try to thwart the wonderful work you do. I can only say thank you again and again!

  2. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    January 11, 2026 at 2:32 pm

    Hello! I am here for the snacks please.🥰🍉

  3. REPLY
    Linda Charles says
    January 11, 2026 at 2:41 pm

    Thanks so much for this. What a gorgeous young mn

  4. REPLY
    Jeanine says
    January 11, 2026 at 3:29 pm

    OMG. So sweet.🥰

  5. REPLY
    Wim says
    January 11, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    Beautiful friend, how wonderful to get a reward.
    🤗🐢🫶

  6. REPLY
    Terry Silva says
    January 11, 2026 at 4:26 pm

    Lovely! thank you for posting. glad Michaelangelo and others can rely on GSE

  7. REPLY
    Beji says
    January 11, 2026 at 5:53 pm

    Little guy is speedy…. so cute

  8. REPLY
    Meredith Leonard says
    January 11, 2026 at 6:07 pm

    Sooo excellent!

  9. REPLY
    Alida says
    January 11, 2026 at 7:18 pm

    You’re a cutie Michelangelo! and you obviously love your fruit 😊 He’s truly gorgeous, beautiful colours ❤️

  10. REPLY
    Susan Flewelling says
    January 11, 2026 at 8:27 pm

    He is gorgeous! Thanks for the 😃

  11. REPLY
    Gayle Janzen says
    January 12, 2026 at 1:25 am

    He is sooo cute! I noticed his spot at the front of his shell is heart shaped.❤️ He says, ok, Scott Daddy, where’s the treats? And of course Scott Daddy complies ASAP!

  12. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    January 12, 2026 at 1:27 am

    boy he moves pretty quick to get to Scott and he likes that watermelon good job Scott it’s amazing how Animals remember People and voices and he knows he’s safe good job Sanctuary

  13. REPLY
    Carol Durham says
    January 12, 2026 at 8:26 am

    Large and small—a sanctuary to all—

  14. REPLY
    Terry says
    January 13, 2026 at 9:48 pm

    Scott, you are so kind!!!

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