"People buy them without realizing what they're getting into," said Dan Marchand of the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary.
A large sulcata tortoise named Rex wandered into a suburban Phoenix neighborhood on a spring evening. Neighbors, including Sara Westfall, cared for him while attempting to locate his owner. The incident highlights challenges of owning sulcata tortoises, which grow up to 200 pounds and can live 150 years.
Rex, owned by Frank Boxberger for 15 years, escaped from a house for sale. Boxberger gave Rex to Garret Beshey, who plans to keep him.
Rescue organizations report high numbers of abandoned sulcatas due to owners not anticipating their size and needs.