80 Year Old Tortoise Rescued from Basement! + more

#gardenstatetortoise #tortoise #turtle
Join us as we take a road trip to handle yet another rescue of animals. Turtles and tortoises live a very long time and it’s crucial to have a plan in place for yours because they can certainly outlive humans by a mile. An 80 year old tortoise and others were loved and cared for, spanning decades, but with the owner’s health deteriorating, they needed to be rescued from a potentially bad future. She did the right thing before it was too late for them and this is a wake up call to anyone working with such long lived vertebrates because sometimes things don’t work out. It’s the cold , hard truth and the animals need to have a future, somewhere.
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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 KZbin 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

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Good morning GST’ers! Thank you so much for watching this video. Please continue to leave positive comments for this courageous woman who had to sadly give up her animals. Love you guys, Chris & Casey

[@YochevedDesigns]

The keeled box turtle is my favorite. I can't get over those huge black eyes, so cute!

[@graffic13]

More Zebus please!!!!

[@bobwisniewski2690]

I have the same yellow foot tortoise but a male. Very large and a lot more yellow on him.

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

I am so glad she did the right thing. She is showing real love for her pets. Thanks for helping them!

[@ZeZesZoo]

Maggie May is awesome ❤🎉😊

[@monicayoungblood8557]

Many blessings to the lady who had to give them up. I know it must break her heart. You can tell she loved them dearly. She did the right thing❤️🙏 thank goodness you guys can care for them. She knows they'll be well cared for! Blessings to all at GST as well!!!🥰🙏❤️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

She is such a wonderful person. ❤️ thank you. 🙏🏻

[@aprilstearns9104]

This woman definitely picked the best future for her brood. Blessings to her.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

THANK YOU 🙏🏻

[@Julaeable]

I am severely disabled and I feel deeply for that lady. If I lived alone, I'd have to give up my three cats and that would break my heart. The animals give you so much comfort, but it shows how much she truly loves them to do what is best for them. ❤

[@cara9648]

She clearly loved her pets. You can hear the sadness in her voice having to part with them. She's the best for doing what's best for them after reconizing her limitations. I wish her all the best in taking care of herself and her health.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

She was very sad but also very grateful. She did good for sure.

[@loriw2661]

To the wonderful woman who loved these turtles……your love and care are evident. Asking GST to care for them now is further proof of how much you love them. Much respect and love!🐢❤️🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Lori 🙌🏻

[@SAVKA284]

My heart is breaking for this special lady. That must have been SO difficult for her as she clearly loved each & every one of them. But she has shown them the greatest gift of love by rehoming them to the best people on the planet. I really look forward to seeing updates on these new characters & getting to know them better. Much much love to that lady ❤️❤️❤️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so much. 🙏🏻 It was hard for her but she’s also very relieved now.

[@MFoster392]

It's great to see animals so loved they called you guys before their health declined, great additions to your collection :)

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Agreed thank you 😊

[@heatherrachel8418]

What a brave women, such strength to give her family of decades away.

[@sandrabeck8788]

So GLAD the owner of he tortoises searched for help from people who were experts to care for them. It’s sad when people have to part with their pets, but hat is life. We can only do the best we can.

[@hdnagnda]

Y’all showed this in such a kind and reassuring way. Her and her mom had a legacy in those pets, and it’s so important to see when someone has to truly “surrender” animals.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you for saying that 🙏🏻

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

They were not pets. They were part of the family!!!!

[@hdnagnda]

@@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282 Why does calling them a pet make them any less part of the family?

[@robinheater1817]

I’m so glad the owner called you and Casey. She obviously loved them very much. Her babies will be taken care of and loved. ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Happy ending for sure!

[@ymeyers6225]

Feel so awful for the owner, but happy that these animals have had and will have such healthy lives!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Same here, it was a tough one for us. Thank you. 🙏🏻

[@jungleboots]

@@GardenStateTortoise Hopefully she gets to visit her babies❤

[@wendymuir7818]

Owner clearly loves her shellbabies. She did everything she could. Keep her updated and send photos. Maybe she can visit? It would ease her heart to see them happy and taken care of.

[@jenelaina5665]

It would be so nice if she could visit

[@suz632]

What a selfless act of love. This owner was responsible for her pets. Not always easy, but nobody should own a pet unless they're prepared to make hard decisions when necessary in the best interest of the animal. Gorgeous turtles. Such a joy to watch and learn. Thank you for showing! Warm hugs for the owner parting ways with her much loved babies. And much respect and love to the wonderful people doing the work of creating a safe new home for these gorgeous creatures! ❤🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Well said and thank you so much 😊

[@kelleyrancher]

Yes I'm an older person now and I really want a leopard tortoise but I know it's not smart at my age to get one I have six others we have a big herpetological Society in Chicago they will take my pets if something happens to me

[@American-Jello]

Perfectly stated. Amen.

[@Geezman1977]

She had the warmest kindest tone. Her heartbreak must swallow mountains, but her love and desire for her pets to be well surpasses her grief. Wonderful outcome for every single one of the torts and turts!

[@smithcon1968]

That poor lady. I feel so bad for her. You can tell she really cared for all her animals. Thank you for being there to help these animals.

[@user-yq4ht2gh5c]

You could tell the owner truly loved her animals. Sometimes we have to let go for the sake of our babies. A win- win rescue.

[@Weamee]

❤ Please let this kind selfless lady, thank you , for knowing when it’s time to let go and thank YOU for taking them in and giving them their forever home!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🏻❤️🙏🏻🐢

[@mrlithium69]

I love that you save the turtles one by one and give them names. They are special !

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🏻

[@maxrhiabelleagilityclass4836]

Thank you for being so supportive of her.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you for watching

[@carolinep.7580]

My heart is sad for the owner, but so happy that she loved these animals enough to do the right thing with them. Such a beautiful yellow foot 🐢

[@ThKiwi]

What a hard decision she had to make. 😢 Giving up such well loved family members had to be just gut wrenching, I’m so glad you guys were there to keep giving these turtles the best life. ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Very hard but yes, happy ending. Thank you!

[@PK-oy4fe]

I feel for the owner. I bred and showed dogs and rescued as well. Then my health caused me to have more than 7 surgeries in less than 2 years. My last male passed at the age of 17 last year, and I' m devastated without my furbabies, babies, but know until I'm stable I cant risk another baby😢😇❤️🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Well I’m glad to hear you’re still with us ❤️

[@kelleyrancher]

Hybrid and show dogs also until a back injury forced me to quit but I have my hard shelled babies and I love them a lot

[@PK-oy4fe]

@@GardenStateTortoise thanks Chris and Casey...I'm the RNC PhD and owner of the gift shop with the turtle Pendants that I wanted to gift for you and the kids!😇❤️

[@BenjamintheTortoise]

What a beautiful rescue story! So happy you were able to take them all in. This video was a great reminder that I've got to start making a legacy plan for my tort as well. Thank you!! 💕

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad you enjoyed it! And yes, absolutely 👍🏻

[@raebsen]

Thank you for being so kind to this lady. I can believe it's so hard to find yourself in a place that you care so much, but know you are not up to the task anymore. She's an incredible person for finding you guys ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@joseerichard3019]

You can tell this woman loves her animals. I can here it when she speaks. She is doing the right thing for her beloved turtles and tortoises.

[@sharondickinson3837]

WOW, what a wonderfui, healthy and very loved collection. I'm sure the previous owner is going to have a big long cry later today, but I also know she knows she has done right by the collection rehoming them, and no doubt keep track of them all via your vids/scocial media!!! Thank you GST, you are the best!!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Agreed and thank you for watching!

[@joanfregapane8683]

Happy ending! Kudos to the owner for loving these animals so much that she put their welfare first!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

For sure!

[@MegaPollitoconpapas]

Its so sweet how the old lady knew all her names and said something about their personalities... Crazy to see the inevitable, many species will outlive you

[@hobbithabits]

You can tell all of these babies were well loved. Perfectly round shells, no pyramiding, nice and strong. They got king treatment. ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

100% ❤️

[@teijaflink2226]

They look amazing and specially as many of them are older.

[@booboo7750able]

Emotions all over the place..........love, love, love. Wonderful sanctuary and blessed keepers. Thank you!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@maxrhiabelleagilityclass4836]

This was so hard for her. Made me cry.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

We had a really tough time too with this one.

[@SAVKA284]

Me too. I felt her pain & couldn't help crying watching the video

[@jenpink4298]

This woman was so sweet! You can tell how much she loved each and every one of these animals! I’m so glad that you guys were able to help her and take in all of these loved creatures! It must have been really painful for her, especially because it sounds like many of these turtles were a link to her mom. I hope that she can sleep and focus on her health now that she knows that they will be OK with you!❤

[@pokypup1159]

I was THIS close to crying. But I’m glad that there was a happy ending

[@GardenStateTortoise]

This one was tough, For sure. ❤️

[@chyname]

She took excellent care of the turtles and tortoises for so long

[@GardenStateTortoise]

She truly did.

[@jmac5951]

The woman who is giving up these animals is so kind and responsible. She is looking out for her animals in the most loving way. I hope this brings her peace.

[@mediterralien]

Now I'm thinking about the day when I'm old and unable to take care of my animals.. couple of days ago we were talking about our old neighbor that passed away and left few healthy birds behind him.. the grandma that took care of these turtles and tortoises is an example and it's definitely making me feel strong.. whoever you are thank you grandma. Edit: a thought to Brian Barczyk.. leave a comment on his last post

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️ this woman had some amazing birds too.

[@stanwee]

those babies were so well cared for!!! im so happy to see how much she loved them, the fact they are so kind and healthy is testament to it. but also seeing how your animals react to you as well is just heartwarming, truly the love goes both ways ❤

[@desertdogscalifornia]

This is so sad. My heart goes out to the owner. They are obviously well loved. I know one day I will age and will have to make accommodations for my turtles and I dread the day. 😥

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It’s a tough reality for us all but this was a happy ending for her and the animals.

[@chrisester2910]

It is so uplifting to see a happy rescue story. Best wishes to the person who made the best decision for her beloved shelled friends. How refreshingly unselfish.

[@hw5035]

I feel for their previous mom - it must be so hard to give up parts of your family. It’s like I can feel the love she has for her turtles. And it is easy to see and hear how important every single one is. It takes so much heart to rather want your loved ones continue their best live with others than wanting to keep them knowing you might not/ won’t be able to do so yourself 😔🥺

[@BorghBorgh]

ah man, had to pause a few times because I felt so bad for the lady. Glad they are getting a lovely new home!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yep, def was a tough one!

[@rebekkariblet4500]

The lady has done an amazing job taking care of her turtles 🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

She really did.

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

Blessings to the former turtle parents. Love did the right thing.

[@ThatBugBehindYou]

It's like a parent sending off their kids, so much time spent with them and then it becomes time to say goodbye. Sad decisions come with age but avoiding those sad decisions is what leads to horrible conditions for yourself and your animals, happy she's strong willed enough to have avoided such things.

[@spingirl4855]

Im so glad people know to contact you guys for help. You always take the best care of these turtles and tortoises.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you for that 🙏🏻

[@TheSuzberry]

When you truly love your pets you do what is right for them. Sometimes it hurts so much.

[@carschmn]

These are obviously beloved family pets. I enjoyed hearing her stories of raising her turtles with her mom.

[@chrisschanen]

Turtles are a huge responsibility They live a long time

[@GardenStateTortoise]

100%

[@CandaceMannino]

Thank you for all you do for these precious animals. I 100% trust in your opinions. You've taught me so much. Best wishes. ❤

[@Iris_Germany]

Love ❤ and greetings from Germany to the lady that she cared for her animals so well and makes the heartbreaking decision to give them away. Respect!

[@karenalexander5733]

Gold star to the owner of these animals. To love them enough to pass them on when they couldn't properly care for them is just wonderful. I wish the lady well with her health and look forward to updates on the turtles 🐢 . Karen ❤️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Karen. Very kind of you.

[@clickeric]

@@GardenStateTortoise I hope you will be able to get videos of them on the channel for her and maybe videos just for her beyond the channel because they are her shell family, always.

[@brianaschoner3476]

This is so beautiful and sad. Thank you so much for taking on these wonderful animals. I really hope she gets better. All of those babies looked so healthy and it's honestly on of my biggest fears is my health issues forcing my animals to be rehomed. I'm glad she decided to rehome them before she got to sick. Please focus on feeling better and have peace of mind knowing they are in great hands.

[@kyrab7914]

What a terribly hard thing to do. Having declining health and then losing one's companions of decades. Bless that wonderful woman for putting them first tho, and sending them to a wonderful place before she became incapable of taking care of them. They're all incredibly adorable, I'm glad they'll join the cows 😂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Agreed thank you so much. 😊

[@jeanwonnacott2718]

I know how hard this was, cuz I had to give up my dog once. You absolutely did the right thing. So did I. Even when it breaks our heart's....what is best for the animal....😢 You called the right people, and you can watch them online....when you are ready....❤❤ hearts to you, and your tortoises, and boxies....thank you.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Wonderful, kind words. 🙏🏻

[@tammyc7898]

Just Subscribed to your channel, been having a hard couple of days and watching your channel brought me so much joy so thank you for that, I also love your energy and care for these beautiful creatures, sending hugs from Indiana 😊

[@Hotamma]

It’s so wonderful what you and your family do for the welfare of all the animals. You give hope to the people who have to give up their beloved pets. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the awesome person who had to give you her pets, I am so sorry to hear of your failing health. Please know you are also in my prayers

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@kellybraun7048]

Love how all your animals are so eager for some attention and scratches when you come in. ❤ “You’ve been gone for hours! When’s my turn?” 😂 Your “other cow” won’t let you ignore her.

[@danareed1656]

wonderful job ! nice turtles! some day that will probably be me ! love my torts but there is no way I will out live them! you guys are such a blessing!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@claudiobedoya2775]

Loved it! So glad to see them going tou guys, and you can tell the lady loved her turtles. To bad she isn't doing well and had to give them up. But they did go to a great home.

[@karintarr7558]

Her love for them shows. Outstanding care. And to rehome them with you all is just another testament to her love for them.

[@cindystimson3632]

Thanks for people like you for helping this lady and her animals. We need more people in the world like you. I'm sure her stess is so much relieved knowing her babies will be loved and safe.

[@JohnRohoboth]

this is such a wholesome odd channel! I'm so glad I found it.

[@Riftsrunner]

Those turtles and tortoises looked wonderful. They were well cared for and seemed very used to human contact, so aren't really being too stressed. Prowler lived up to his name, day seems pleasant enough to take a little stroll before returning to sleep. And it is great to see that these animals landed in such great carers domain. Thank their former carer for taking such great care of them.

[@sarachanning5750]

I love Rocky and Blue they put a huge smile on my face every time I see them.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Absolutely love to know that!

[@annehart5584]

They’re beautiful!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 😊

[@heartbreak71]

thanks for the rescue they are beautiful

[@GardenStateTortoise]

💪🏻❤️🐢

[@brentdewey3980]

Several of my turtles, and tortoises are some of the ones you have rescued this year. I still cannot thank you enough, and I hope they are all healthy and happy!

[@staceyskinner3984]

The owner was thinking of ur shell babies and glad they are safe can't wait to see them in other videos

[@rebekkariblet4500]

Keep saving them turtles 🐢 🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢💚💚💚makes my heart happy 😆

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️❤️❤️

[@maxrhiabelleagilityclass4836]

They are lucky turtles.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@sonjasisco8064]

I will do the same when I get even older! I have rescued many turtles & tortoises for this same reason. Bless this lady for having the right people take her babies. I hope her health gets better.

[@vwvw4]

It's obvious this woman loved her tortoises and turtles and gave them a wonderful life, investing in proper nutrition and veterinary care when necessary. So sad she has to rehome them because of her health but lucky for her animals and her peace of mind that you are able to take responsibility for them. I hope you will give her regular updates and maybe she can visit them. Blessings and prayers that the woman's health improves.

[@PedroLuis-yp9ed]

I would be balling my eyes giving my animals away after so many years.

[@boogeyman7777]

That Aldabra tortoise is beautiful 🐢

[@isimperialist]

I absolutely love Tortoises now!!!!!

[@CindyHuot]

People like you guys are so needed. I don't trust anyone with my animals but you guys I would trust & feel at ease because you give all your animals AMAZING care!! You still need a chocolate lab 🤣!! I was so happy to see the wonderful care she put in to these tortoises, they are all beautiful & I can imagine the relief she must feel knowing the care & home they will have!! Thank you for everything you do!!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hahaha I’ve been pushing for a Chocolate!! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@sharicooper-michener8177]

Yes, she did the most humane thing for her pets, she allowed them to have a new safe home

[@bodymaker16]

that was a cheap trick there, chris! that with it not always being a happy ending :D

[@GardenStateTortoise]

That’s all Casey’s editing skills! ❤️

[@keldaMouse]

Blessings to this LOVELY LADY who cared so wonderfully for her beautiful turtles. She is amazing took such great care. Blessings to you and to GST. You are amazing for all you do. Love to you GST!

[@ginahampton2129]

This is just awesome! Thank you for doing what you do! You two are just kind loving people!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Our pleasure!

[@michelethomas7645]

We are all going to be there someday when we have to make that difficult decision. Knowing when to make that call is key. Even knowing that it is the best thing for our pets doesn't make it easy, but it is right. She will rest easier knowing the animals that she loved will go on and have amazing lives!

[@deloresrogers685]

I hope more people who find themselves in simulator situations as this wonderful person think of their animals first like she did. My heart goes out to you giving up your pets but know you did right by them. Love to you all❤❤❤❤❤

[@GlitzyWitch]

Bless her heart, it must be heartbreaking handing them over because of her health. At least she came to you giys, knowing they'll be looked after is just a weght off the shoulders. Bless her ❤

[@annehart5584]

I want to see more of Otis!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

This channel is about way more than just Otis but he will be in some videos. 👍🏻

[@kellilee7433]

Beautiful rescue!!❤❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@Faerysong1]

I have had animals of all kinds, thru out my life, I know how much you can love them. They are family, I'm so sorry for this lady❤. I'm glad to know that they will be cared for by these awesome people. Best wishes for you all.

[@erikabrady1381]

I send her love and comfort.

[@cynthialbell9023]

How exciting to be able to rescue some tortoises, and give them the best,life now. Cindyj

[@belizeguy]

As I age, I am faced with a similar situation and can only hope that I can place my collection with competent, kind folks like yourselves. That Yellowfoot is awesome- Not to mention the Mahouti. Wonderful additions for you! Congratulations.

[@MultiPetercool]

We I see Maggie Mae I can’t help but think of the Veggietales “Silly songs with Larry” episode with the “Cebu Song”. Probably an obscure reference, but worth looking up. Instant ear worm! 😂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣

[@MultiPetercool]

@@GardenStateTortoise Clearly you know what I’m talking about! 😂

[@MultiPetercool]

I think this reference is appropriate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/labZaXigaah4pbMfeature=shared

[@jimcostantino6244]

she did a great job with her turtles. They all looked in excellent shape. Glad they went to you guys

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️🙏🏻🐢

[@lornadesmarais-zo4pr]

Poor woman. She did the right thing for her animals but it must be so painful for her

[@GardenStateTortoise]

She did and it was but she’s also very relieved now.

[@I-hate-youtube797]

This was sad to watch and it reminded me of when my elderly grandfather had to rehome all his farm animals and sell his farm. He couldn’t keep up with it anymore. It was all sold to a nice family that still uses the land as a farm and they kept most his animals but it was still such a bitter sweet situation. My heart breaks for this lady but she made the right decision

[@kearstinnekenerson6676]

My aunt left me all 8 of her turtles in my will and when I one day get them the youngest will be getting a huge upgrade and the old guys who might not live as long as her will be kept in the same enclosure they are use to to not get huge shock. She said she might have me take them if she starts struggling too.

[@bobbymoore6266]

That's just so awesome to have the happy ending.

[@AabluedragonAH]

Can’t wait to see these lil guys stomping around in future videos! Always happy to meet named turtles

[@GardenStateTortoise]

👍🏻🙏🏻🙌🏻❤️🐢

[@mccjoy]

Maggie Mae has the most beautiful eyelashes!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Oh yes she does 😊

[@danriley5848]

Fantastic video and I'm glad that these animals went to an amazing home. I am so happy that you explained about Eastern Box Turtles hibernate because there is a KZbin channel that buries it's turtles strait down a couple feet basically burying them alive. I have tried to educate the owners but they disagree so hopefully they will see your video. Keep up the great work that you guys do.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I know exactly who you’re talking about. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@danriley5848]

@@GardenStateTortoise I'm glad that you are aware of them, thank you.