Can This Alligator Snapping Turtle Live a Normal Life? (Decision Time for Chief Brody)

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hey friends! What an amazing day for Chief Brody and ourselves. If you’ve been watching his journey all these months, thank you 🙏🏻. In case you missed Otis’s latest video, here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5nJeIJ7a8eDg5o Lots of love, Chris

[@GaiaCarney]

Congratulations, Garden State Tortoise 💚 Chief Brody is CHONK!

[@laurenm9956]

I'm beyond thrilled to see him returning to the life he's been waiting for. Thank you for saving him!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️🐢🙌💪🏻

[@treystewart544]

@@GardenStateTortoisegosh he’s a huge alligator snapping turtle so awesome 😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎😎

[@pamr.5954]

I am so very thankful that Chief Brody found you guys. Your care is excellent and your love for reptiles shines through in every video. 💕 🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Pam!!

[@antoniaechefu7662]

Woohooooo!! You go Chief Brody!!!! I am so chuffed for all of you 😊

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌😊🐢

[@cynthialbell9023]

I am so happy for Chief Brody. You saved his life. Now it's time for the large outdoor pond. He will be so happy now, and will have the best life now.❤🐢Cindy

[@jenniferjean]

He's so lucky to have these wonderful people who truly care about him. ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Cynthia 🐢❤️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@IllusioneTempus]

Yay for Chief Brody!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

💪🏻🐢

[@laurencarleton236]

Woohoo, go Chief! Brody!! You guys are so amazing! Thanks for sharing what you do. Happy Easter!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Lauren!

[@tamarrajames3590]

It warms the heart to see this big beautiful boy slide into his new home like it is everything he has been waiting for. I still miss Chum, but Brodie has his own special place in my heart. This was awesome…thank you for letting us be a part of it.🖤🇨🇦

[@GardenStateTortoise]

We’ll always miss him, thanks Tamarra!

[@joshuastover1047]

He is such an awesome creature. Thank you so much for helping him and all the others. I love what y’all do!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Joshua!

[@TheSourKraut]

I'm surprised at how little he fought or tried to take off your hand. Almost like he knew you were just trying to help, but he had to at least pretend, just in case another big snapper was watching. Amazing job, you(all) did there.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you! He’s surprisingly tolerant.

[@cheryl_vr]

This makes me SO happy! Chief Brody is looking so healthy now, I actually teared up a little when he swam off into his new home (happy tears!) You guys do such amazing work 🙌💛

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Cheryl!!

[@lindad1195]

Thank you for putting the time and effort into saving him! He’s beautiful! We appreciate all you do!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks linda!

[@nenaelliott8058]

I'm so happy for Chief Brody. I realize the container you were keeping him in was necessary for his health but he just didn't have room to move at all. I'm excited for him and hope he really enjoys his new digs.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

He’s definitely enjoying it and yes, the tub was 100% necessary, size and all. 👍🏻

[@loriw2661]

When you put him in his pond I started bawling my eyes out! I’m so happy for the Chief. And judging by how I felt, hundreds of miles away here in Florida, I know you both had to be absolutely bursting with joy! He’s lucky to have ended up with your sanctuary. Well done!!🐢❤🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Lori!!! It was such an amazing moment.

[@angicatron8512]

We have a small pond we keep our bait fish in, well I now have a small snapper that has moved in. I love turtles so much and it’s so fun seeing him or her when we go out in the mornings sun basking ❤ I love your excitement. Go Chief Brody!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Awesome thanks Angi!

[@raebsen]

Oh, the happiness I felt when he slid into his new pond ❤ he's doing so well!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Same!!

[@DhairyaPandya27]

Man that is one big beast! He looks spectacular

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks!

[@bluedeva]

Yes!!! Huge congratulations all of your hard work has definitely paid off 🤗🐢🤗

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!!

[@karla_doodles]

I’ll admit it I’m a little misty eyed while watching this. Thank you for giving chief Brody a chance at life. I know animals don’t understand humans much, but deep down I like to believe that he’s thankful.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I was too!!

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Chief is thinking “if these humans try to make me into soup, I bite their hands off! (I have never touched turtle soup.) So happy for him and many thanks for saving him.

[@danriley5848]

What a fantastic video to post today of a great success story and I am so glad that he will have a great life. Happy Easter to you and your family and keep up the great work.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Dan, happy Easter!

[@julsgems3451]

I cud see just how excited you were even B4 U said so. That's the most wonderful feeling when something so enduring comes together that you're done your work and you put your 💜 fully in to it and it comes to fruition in the greatest way. Brought tears my eyes. Thank You for everything u do. Godspeed 💥❤️🖖

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It really is, thank you!

[@dreyhawk]

Hurray! That's wonderful that he's gained enough to go out! You do such an amazing job rehabbing these magnificent creatures .

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so much!

[@Biggs58]

The memory of Chum to the joy of Chief Brody. Amazing work for the snapping turtles.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Nancy 🙏🏻

[@nelldesign787]

So amazing to see someone so excited by their profession! Great job caring for such non-cuddly critters. Thanks for the informative videos .💜

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!!

[@em-agan]

HOORAY! I cried for our big buddy, so happy he’s ok

[@poempadgett4664]

Me too!🥹🥲❣️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️

[@KOOLBadger]

We are all so thankful you saved him and he fought to live! Long life for Chief Brody.. We are all greatful...

[@travistaylor6110]

The passion and energy this guy gives off about saving animals is so refreshing! It's great to know people still care for animals in this way. You guys are awesome.

[@TexasInRed]

I love Brody! He has such a funny personality. When you put him in the transport tub he gave you such a side eye😂🤣😂 I could just hear him saying; “Dude you put me in a bucket!” LOL! We love you Chief Brody. ❤❤❤

[@Pandidolod]

Seeing him look so happy in the water put a huge smile on my face! :) Thanks for doing the most to save animals and educate people!

[@BlueYoshi85]

You have such a sweet spirit. I'm so excited for Brody and this next chapter of his life.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻

[@Laura-LaFauve]

I love how you are stoked that your friend is healthy now. We need more humans like you and your family.

[@wendyloughery]

Congratulations guys so awesome for chief brody

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks!

[@michelethomas7645]

Your love and enthusiasm for these animals are infectious! ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!! ❤️🐢🐍🦎

[@Nemodog]

What a lovely Spring renewal video! I felt such a sense of relief and happiness from Chief Brody as he swam free. Truly beautiful! Thank you for preserving that moment for us to see. Thank you for being the kind people you are!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you for such kind words!

[@jenpink4298]

WOOHOO 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 CONGRATULATIONS CHIEF BRODY thank you to garden state tortoise ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes!!!! 🙌🙌

[@cdd4248]

Congratulations! Rescuing an animal is ALWAYS a WIN-WIN!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It so is!!

[@ItalianBrianA]

I am so happy for Chief Brody! Been following him all through his rehab. This is FANTASTIC news my friend!

[@MirabellaTV]

Just Wonderful! 💜 Welcome Home Chief Brody!

[@joycedavis9996]

Hail to Chief Brody…livin’ his best life🤗🥰

[@MzLyons]

Such a happy new beginning for Chief Brody ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

👍🏻🐢❤️

[@PK-oy4fe]

Congratulations on making your weight Chief Brody! It is heart warming to see you in a big pond! ❤😇❤🐢🐢

[@happy985]

So happy for you and Chief Brody 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😄👍🏼

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@spearmanerica676]

Happy ending new beginning for thee adorable Brody ❤️‍🩹🙏🏾💕🥰

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes!! 🙌🐢

[@assistanttotheregionalmana349]

Wow!! This video made me cry happy tears of joy!! You guys are freakin amazing!! Thanks for doing what you do!!

[@rileyrobin2]

i love happy endings! thanks for giving chief brody the chance to reach it, what a recovery!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

I’ve lived around snappers most of my life. We back on the Christianna river in Delaware and these big boys promenade around our yard and even down the front sidewalk every year looking for love.

[@lalousiane7118]

Yay, Chief Brody is free, he got his sock. 🤣😂 Great job on such an iconic & prehistoric animal. Live long & prosper. 🖖💜🤗🙋‍♀️🇺🇸

[@robertbakerii5469]

I’m just as excited for him as you are! Thank you for doing such a great Joe with him. We miss you always Chum.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Robert!!

[@alukeofalltrades]

Chief Brody! Love that guy!! So hyped to catch up with him :)

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks!!!

[@Woodlily617]

Great job all and congratulations to Chief Brody. Watching him swim off immediately after you released him was so cool.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Melissa!

[@cindyrussell7017]

It is always so great to see a hugh difference made in the life of a being in your care. You guys make it a wonderful, safe place for Brodie and all the other turtles. Thank you for all you do.❤️😊

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Cindy!!

[@Tonithemeloni04]

He looks so happy this is so wholesome!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

He’s living the life now!

[@DoorsToHideBehind156]

Lol love that lady in the back leaning around the corner to take a look. You can just see her thinking huh, don't see that everyday

[@aliceb.1481]

I think it's so terrifying how the snapping turtles look like they are smiling with their moth open when they are actually angry and waiting for you to get close enough to get your fingers

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Nothing terrifying about them and they aren’t waiting for anything, they’re simply showing what they’re packing in case you choose to push your luck. They have no interest in harming us, that’s just myth.

[@evilpandagirl9]

What a phenomenal boy!

[@nickdee5764]

If that turtle isn’t one of the most adorable and lovable guys on the planet, I don’t know what is!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes! 🙌🐢

[@karenthomas2302]

A happy turtle for sure, he kind of looked happy for the bigger home. Awesome. Need so normal fish he can chase and eat, happy Easter 🐣 to y’all also. Tfs

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🐢💪🏻

[@thecrone7964]

Congratulations on a really successful outcome.

[@ArmyForTheAnimals]

Yay CB! Enjoy your new home buddy! ❤️🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙏🏻🐢❤️

[@DSheartlady]

awesome turtle i hope that he enjoys his new home!🙂🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Debra!

[@janesoulharding8128]

Well done guys that's amazing. go chief Brody xxxx

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🐢

[@MFoster392]

He looks amazing in the pond

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Mike!

[@spearmanerica676]

I’m in love with Chief Brody my favorite kinda turtle 🐢 Otis is my turtle friend but Brody has always been my kinda guy hope ur doing well ur not sick ❤️‍🩹 my friend he’s cute all the algae the face u jus gotta love him ❤️‍🩹

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Erica!

[@spearmanerica676]

@@GardenStateTortoise ur welcome I love too learn I’m an animal love reptiles Otis stole my 💕until. Saw Brody too stinking cute 🥰 I can hang out with ur dogs and reptiles more soo than humans 🥰🤗

[@karibou6308]

That is a heartwarming story ❤

[@mjgbabydragonlet]

You and your wife are amazing!

[@naegwut]

So happy

[@robinheater1817]

Yay Chief Brody!! So happy

[@GardenStateTortoise]

😊🐢🙌

[@rickcroney1286]

Great job, he looks awesome in there! 🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Rick!

[@johnfilak7168]

Great job and was so cool seeing him swim away

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks john

[@MarshyoftheBlobs]

Chief Brody's got big shoes (or pond?) to fill but I'm sure he'll do fantastic!

[@Youkodoll19]

That's incredible! Chief Brody is going to be so happy! Will Chichi be introduced to Brody soon?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you. She unfortunately passed from exactly what we suspected she had when we received her, fatty liver disease. It completely sucks what we have to deal with when it comes to rescues sometimes. The animal’s death ends up falling on us because despite veterinary care and 24/7 attention from us, when they’re too far gone, they’re too far gone to save.

[@IAmSweetPea]

I’m not crying……. You are!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣🤣totally

[@sunitathind8440]

So cute ❤

[@Annie1962]

Enjoy your new home buddy!

[@许仪后-o8m]

i have a alligator snapping turtle in my home and he or she is growing up , can someone tell me, can this little beast eat anything more than fish?can i feed him some vegetable?(legally in my country)

[@loriw2661]

Yes. Mustard greens, parsley, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce. Avoid veggies with high phosphorus levels

[@许仪后-o8m]

@@loriw2661 thanks!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Apples, acorns and other items can be offered but it should be fine seasonally as this species is primarily carnivorous.

[@许仪后-o8m]

@@GardenStateTortoise ok ,thank you so much

[@mell.2144]

Yay Chief Brody!!! 👏👏

[@lrathome]

Chief Brody (whispering): "Come closer.... A little closer.... Bring your face a bit closer now.... Seriously, Congrats Chief Brody and Garden State Tortoise on a job well done!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks!

[@sunitathind8440]

Better looking that turtle is than most of my family 😂😂

[@Manthab]

So happy for him!! How old is he?

[@jannsmith9486]

He's massive 😍

[@jimcostantino6244]

Thats awesome

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks!

[@tywanferdinand2634]

AMEN 🎉

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🎉🐢

[@meloneyparker]

All hail the Chief!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

💪🏻🐢

[@nandosietsema383]

Very cool!!! Finally! Where is the female?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks! She unfortunately passed from exactly what we suspected she had when we received her, fatty liver disease. It completely sucks what we have to deal with when it comes to rescues sometimes. The animal’s death ends up falling on us because despite veterinary care and 24/7 attention from us, when they’re too far gone, they’re too far gone to save.

[@Martinbrody22]

So excited for my man who I have the same name as!! Is he able to stay outside year round in south jersey?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes he is! This species naturally occurs all the way up into Iowa 👍🏻💪🏻🐢

[@Martinbrody22]

@@GardenStateTortoise Iowa??? Oh my goodness!

[@cheese92512]

Howdy

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌

[@bryonflaherty5957]

How could is that water at this time of year ? I know you know what you are doing but I was wondering what the cold tolerance is for an alligator snapping turtle

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It’s actually quite warm already because of the hot spring we’re having but we’ve always had success housing this species outdoors year round here. Since they naturally occur all the north to Iowa and Indiana, our winters are not hard for them to handle.

[@millenialsmom2214]

Curious...does Brody ever get a little scrub to get the algae off?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

We’ve shown several short videos of the progress of getting the algae off him. We didn’t want to stress him out unnecessarily just because we didn’t like the way it looked. Algae is normal for turtles and doesn’t harm them in any way, it just of course doesn’t look great to our eyes.

[@GatorMike79]

So how do you plan on making sure he's eating enough now that he's in a bigger home? Great job on that btw

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you! We’ll still be hand feeding him several times a week like we did with our past big guy.

[@sbaroke]

Moving from the studio apartment into the penthouse 😎

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes! 💪🏻🐢🙌

[@VincentsReptiles]

Hey do you think I am able to put my red eared sliders outside right now I live in South Carolina

[@MultiPetercool]

He’s a handsome boy! Can you PLEASE name your next Ali-Snapper “Gamera” 🙏🏻😉

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hahaha maybe!

[@donzbarker-cross4330]

Yay!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌

[@marianieminen4256]

💚💚🐢

[@melbabowen4389]

Yayyyyy

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌

[@niccirose4481]

Are they supposed to have a lot of algae growing on their head and shell?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes it’s normal, we just don’t like it and if you watch his original video he was literally covered head to toe in it.

[@theturtleessence4937]

What happened with the female gator snapper that was in the pond?

[@sarahmoorcroft8826]

Did I just tear up over a turtle on the internet? 🥲 that moment when he swam off, how wonderful!!!

[@thesnapperkeeper]

Is the female AST that Chum bred with still in the pond?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

She unfortunately passed from exactly what we suspected she had when we received her, fatty liver disease. It completely sucks what we have to deal with when it comes to rescues sometimes. The animal’s death ends up falling on us because despite veterinary care and 24/7 attention from us, when they’re too far gone, they’re too far gone to save.

[@thesnapperkeeper]

@@GardenStateTortoise I’m sorry I know how hard that can be