Lucky European Tortoise Found Walking the Streets in America! + More Tortoise Rescues

#gardenstatetortoise #tortoise #turtle
We’re hitting the road in this one to drive 500 miles for tortoises! Five different tortoises of 4 different species are in need of a new home and we’ve answered the call. Join us on a road trip as we accept each animal and learn its amazing story.
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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]

Hey everyone, Just a reminder that we now have brand new merchandise available in the store tab at the top of our channel. Better designs (all made by casey) and better quality stuff. Every dime goes back into our work with the very animals you see in these videos. Thank you for even considering it. ❤ Chris & Casey

[@CrazyHorseGirls2]

Is it possible that you can make a video about Russian Tortoise care. I am planning on getting one soon and have no idea what to do!!!

[@blasttyrant3228]

@@CrazyHorseGirls2 I second this!

[@julierobertson148]

The young girl and her mother REALLY impressed me. The mother was invested and supportive of her daughter's interest. They did research, invested time and money, and love (for each other and the tortoise) TOGETHER, and that little perfect tortoise is the result. All you parents out there, take note.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

100%. We were blown away.

[@HarkDart]

Gee I wish my parents would do the same

[@sharim]

It made me so sad that she had to give up Sheldon. 😢

[@EyeSeeThruYou]

It's too bad the tortoise couldn't stay with them, they clearly loved that tortoise 😢

[@afungiwholikesturtles4676]

What a feeling when you go to pick up a tort and he or she is in great condition

[@GardenStateTortoise]

100%. It’s a rarity.

[@yinergyyoga5022]

I screamed when I saw you rescued the marginated! Thank you for rescuing him. I have had mine for 11 years. He is a male and has the absolute best personality.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Male Margie’s truly are amazing.

[@emmasmart6112]

My male is 7 and he was lovely and sweet until he turned 5 year old. So bold and thinks he’s head of the house. We nickname him little Hitler. He takes over any room he’s in and invades and rams you out.

[@annah8380]

That is so awesome you are able to take those tortoises! You could tell how much their families loved them. It is so sad when an animal has to be rehomed! You give those families peace of mind. 💗

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Agreed but they all did a good job 👍🏻

[@loriw2661]

More turtles that hit the lottery by finding their way to Garden State! I want to thank the former keepers of these beautiful animals for loving them so much that they wanted the absolute best for them. 🐢❤️🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Lori 🌞

[@Calamity_Jen85]

That kid and her momma did an amazing job 👏🏼 I was that kid once, too. Now, here I am…25 years in wildlife rehabilitation…pooped on by every type of animal in North America…haven’t slept through the night in a decade….and I still think every animal (turtles most of all) is a miracle. I hope her parents continue to foster her love of animals, we’re gonna need kids like that for the future! 😌👏🏼🩶

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hats off to you!

[@chezmoi42]

Thanks so much for your work! People who help wild animals are heroes.

[@KxNOxUTA]

Please sleep though. If you must, consider whacking your brain with "Resting is your responsibility towards society and the medical stuff who'll have their hands full with you otherwise" 🥲 Helpers needing help is too common. We've all gotta step up our game. Don't ya go neglecting yourself. Sleep is the one thing that is - unlike really everything else - not negotiable for the body. I kid you not. Sleep scientists have found that the effect of even 24 hours without sleep (aka never mind chronic lack of sleep) has really massive effects on our whole body, including really SERIOUS reduction of our immune system. Can't have that! Please make your next project to organize things in a way and get enough help so sleep work out!! 😓

[@Calamity_Jen85]

@@GardenStateTortoise hats off to the little girl and her mom, and to you guys! It takes all of us to help the critters and varmints 😊👏🏼

[@ArtThatElevatesTheSoul]

I love what you do and Sun is my "turtle day" to watch your videos. Since I have a tort that's been with me for 62 years (yes found him when I was 11 years old!) it's sad to see people who must part with the pets they love but at least they end up in a great home. All of us who have torts we love, hats off to you!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Wow that’s amazing!! Thank you so much.

[@celtzen]

After seeing some of the turtles you've taken in and the condition they were in - it was so nice to see this group who all looked so healthy and happy... I have to admit I'm now rather in love with Lucky- there is just such sweet old guy energy to him! Through watching your videos I've really realised how personable and individual these guys can be and I love it! Thank you for taking care of all these lovely critters! Looking forward to baby season - they are so dang cute! Take care

[@ms_katia2267]

He is so patient and kind to the people giving up their turtles, I loved when people were telling him about the diets, “dog food”

[@DelMidtdal]

I am so envious of how lucky you are to have the blessing of these wonderful creatures to look after.

[@MamaJ1997]

Thank you,Chris and Casey, for all you do for these beautiful creatures! They are all wonderful, but I’d have to say, Mr. Lucky is my favorite of this video. He has such a beautiful shell! I just love cute little old men😂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

We agree! And thank you so much 😊

[@armynurseshark]

Thanks! Wonderful Sunday video!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you!

[@maryannmcmahon5707]

I think you and your wife are wonderful and I think this video is so educational because people will realize that turtles and tortoises are a life long commitment. Thank you sooo much

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you for the kind words ☺️

[@rickdeacon7819]

I’m sure the previous owners were sad to see these turtles go. But I know *i’d* be more then comfortable giving my tortoise to GST if I had no where else to turn. Another well done job. Way to go! 🐢 😊

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@bethannyallain5395]

Bles you and Casey for making a home for all these tortoises. That young girl did an amazing job for her tortoise. All baby tortoises should be as lucky.

[@toddtrierweiler958]

Great job young lady 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@GardenStateTortoise]

She did awesome 👏🏻

[@laurencarleton236]

Happy Sunday morning with coffee and GTS. Never gets old! Love what you do!🥰🐢🦎🐍

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@caroleparias6197]

Thanks!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@barbhelle5481]

All of the turtles are wonderful. It is sure great the former owners wanted you guys to have them. ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🏻🐢

[@jerseycat7380]

🎵And I would drive 500 miles and I would drive 500 more ~ Just to pick up all the tortoises and bring them back here through our door 🎵

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Perfect 🙌🏻

[@janemorgan5694]

Great they had you to rescue them. Can tell they all were loved. Glad they will get to see them on videos thriving in the future.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so much ☺️

[@cindy.province]

Sheldon is gorgeous! Kudos for his young owner on how well she took care of him. My Hermanns passed a month ago and he is missed. I love watching these rescues and your channel. ALL of the Hermanns remind me of my Bowie. 💚

[@TheTrainedFerret]

Love this! Does GST ever adopt out turtles/tortoises that were rescued? Or do they just live out their lives with you? You do such a great job.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Some have gone to very close friends but the vast majority stay right here. 😊

[@RayGuy8]

You guys do amazing things! Thanks!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks for watching!

[@BenjamintheTortoise]

I love to see these rescue stories!! So grateful to you for becoming a sanctuary where these beautiful torts can live their best life!! Much love 💞😊

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Our pleasure!

[@jamiekalsen9761]

You can tell tyey were all great owner and knew they were going to a great home! You guys are amazing

[@32446]

These are gorgeous tortoises. It must be so sad for people to part with them. You guys are amazing for taking them in. I sometimes wonder if you'll run out of room!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you! We’re far from running out of room here but we of course do have our limitations.

[@pegedey1291]

Continued stories are lovely to see happening. Sweet individuals, animals and the people.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@patriciaforan3174]

More rescues! Yay!!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🏻

[@bryonflaherty5957]

I love pancake tortoises

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Same!

[@caseys9310]

As a person around the same age as you guys, just wanted to say that i spotted those shoes youre wearing and noticed they are predominately white. Another 5 yrs and you'll switch the to the fully white new balance with the grass stains. Thats how we tell the age of male humans, kinda like the color of the shells getting darker 😂 much love you guys and thanks for everything you do❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hahaha I’ve always loved adidas

[@erikadowdy2382]

Very cool Seems like that last lady really loved that turtle- what a sweet lady 😊

[@carschmn]

2:02 so sorry that little girl couldn’t keep her tortoise. .

[@GardenStateTortoise]

She did such a great job on him.

[@KxNOxUTA]

Maybe if they keep it long enough, she'll be back to get him :P Give her a few years of growing and she can maybe consciously make turtle friendly living choices etc. (in regards to her on location)

[@kimberlyhendricks1229]

Thank you for all you guys do for the animals! You rock!❤❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@monicayoungblood8557]

You guys ROCK!!! 🥰❤️ Luv ur passion and compassion for these precious animals!! Many blessings!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so much 😊

[@blip-2024]

What an awesome video! Your content just keeps getting better. I am a little (ok, a LOT) jealous of the fabulous facility and collection you have built. WELL DONE!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so much!

[@trishawaddell564]

These are my favourite types of videos!! I’ve had to rehome my childhood turtle and now have taken in some turtles and tortoises that needed new homes. I hope over the years as some of my other exotics pass on to be able to switch over to take in more turtles and tortoises too.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@BoltonClaudia]

This warms my heart. Thank you!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nudiescorner]

WHAT A VIDEO!!! FREAKIN FANTASTIC ❤❤❤❤❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@MsCrazycatlady]

All the turtles were beautiful! I’m so glad you will be taking them home

[@JBHogan]

Great episode - as always.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@manuela791]

You are amazing, thank you for your wonderful job!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Wow, thank you!

[@tamarrajames3590]

Beautiful new members of the GST family. I know the owners feel relieved that you will be taking them on, and they will live out their time getting the very best of care.🖤🇨🇦

[@belizeguy]

Looks like a WIN for you!! Awesome!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It was!

[@Iris_Germany]

It’s sooo wonderful that you take care of these animals! Thank you! Love ❤ and greetings from Germany 😘

[@marthahines1979]

Great video. So many beautiful tortoises. Love the marginated tortoise. Handsome! Thanks for all you do😍

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Our pleasure!

[@JackieArmB]

Sweet! My first sulcata tortoise was named Sheldon and had SO much personality.

[@heartbreak71]

WE enjoy this too learning is a great tool thank you

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@davehouston1026]

Great episode , always look forward to Sunday morning because of a new video.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad to hear it!

[@danareed1656]

oh wow love all those torts!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Us too!

[@meloneyparker]

Lucky is a cool little guy.😊

[@GardenStateTortoise]

He’s so awesome. Once he got settled he really showed his true personality!

[@meloneyparker]

@@GardenStateTortoise I look forward to seeing him in future videos!❤️

[@katiemalone323]

Thank you for everything you do xx

[@jonathanyoungblood8676]

Wow you guys ended up with a super car load haha . You guys are special people and we are lucky to get to enjoy your journey, thank you 🙏

[@diane7546]

That is: Go get 'em Tortoise Hunter! Beautiful !!

[@YouLookism]

I love you are becoming a sanctuary for torts and turtles. Kisses to Mickey shes my fav 😁💚🐢

[@nativenation11]

SHeldon lol I love that

[@Ladypiccolo]

Love this!! 💚

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🏻🐢

[@chrisc.czarnopys7618]

Love them all. ❤

[@sd906238]

My brother found a Bearded Dragon on the road in Yakima Washington. He tried to find the owner with ads in the newspaper and at the local animal shelter.

[@saraanderson6615]

I am moving into a townhouse soon so I know I can’t get a turtle even if I would like to have one. I will just continue to enjoy watching your channel ❤🙂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

That is awesome!

[@TheWirdbird]

My cousin in San Diego has a turtle she calls Freddy. He has been living in the backyard for probably 30 years. He follows her around the yard and nips her ankles. I don’t know what type of turtle he is, so I call him a turtle. I live in a southern state and there are several different types of turtles. I love them all and will stop on the road to take them off the road and put them out of danger. I am particularly fond of the turtle with red eyes and a red streak on the side of the face.

[@doribala4964]

Thx for the nice video! Could you do another one about Egyptian? I'm really interested in that!

[@susanburr7070]

❤I. Love. Turtles. ❤

[@jgfishing27]

More rescue videos or updates on the rescues 🙏🏽

[@GardenStateTortoise]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@TMS9918A]

I like turtles.

[@koriw1701]

I didn't know that these guys needed to be quarantined for so long. What do they carry that can transfer to other turtles and tortoises after so much time has passed? (By the way, I just thought I'd add here that I *love* your music selections! They are interesting and occasionally quirky but always fun) Thanks for making this channel such a great place to get away from it all!

[@phionella7]

What a heartwarming episode. 3 stops, 4 difficult but happy goodbyes. You and Casey are such beautiful people. Btw, those pancakes tortoises have gorgeous shells!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Don’t they? Thank you so much 😊

[@Jill-K]

You are an animal person because 30 seconds into each convo you had checked out, I could see you just wanted to get them home to examine their personalities. I think you might have another Otis 😂

[@thecatsmeow9972]

You guys are the best- don’t get why #1 was incubating eggs when he just got rid of her ?!?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻 He’s got some new and challenging health issues.

[@BajatheChickenMan]

Very cool video, do you guys also adopt out tortoises?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you. We don’t, a few have gone to very close friends but the vast majority live out their lives here.

[@victoriafeldman8825]

Very cool ❤

[@emmasmart6112]

Yes my male marginated has escaped twice from the back garden. They climb everything they can . Luckily my neighbour saw who him walking down the street, knows him . He’s a little bugger.

[@emmasmart6112]

He chases anyone who comes in and he can see skin. He would chase my beardies if he had climbed over into where the beardies were running around. He’s not allowed round any animals. He’s so bold. He will ram me and bite if sees skin

[@hooliganfunnetty4712]

It is true. So much more information. That's how I found Brian Barczyk then y'all. Looking to give my Sliders the best life. I love all the Turtles and Tortoises.

[@leviandarcherscrazyadventu9702]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@trevi191]

Yeaaaah i have male marginated tortoise too...😍😍😍😍😍

[@rebekkariblet4500]

🐢💚🐢💚🐢💚🐢💚🐢🐢🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🏻🐢❤️

[@afungiwholikesturtles4676]

7:55 was me

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Haha

[@burf90]

Great video. Just curious, after you quarantine and then move the turtles/tortoises into their permanent homes, how do you clean the quarantine enclosure to be sure it's safe for the next resident? That Toad Ranch enclosure for the new pancake tortoises is beautiful and I'm sure you'll reuse it. But will you have to replace everything in there, wait a certain length of time, or some combination of those before using it again?

[@sampohanninen]

😍

[@ellenmcintyre1247]

I'm always thirsty after I travel is it the same with tortoises?? Lol 🐢💞🐢💞🐢💞

[@kevinpoe8137]

Isn’t that Athena’s story too, didn’t you say she was also found on the streets

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes! In California.

[@connieh6974]

Dam

[@Itstime2029]

What is the difference between red head and red foot tortoises? They look alike

[@GardenStateTortoise]

There’s no red head but there’s a cherry head, which we’ve shown several times on this channel. They are still a red foot tortoise, but a very red faced and darker shelled geographical variant of a red foot.

[@leviandarcherscrazyadventu9702]

If you want one I live in Australia

[@kathmorgan3429]

It is such a shame that nice kid couldn't keep Sheldon :(

[@Eleora1997Msia]

European tortoise found on streets in USA... poor tortugal , it must be having hard time being alienated out of no way

[@MFoster392]

How long can a turtle or tort live if it's flipped upside down and couldn't flip back over, although it doesn't seem to be a common killer of them.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

In the sun, they’ll be dead in sometimes minutes to an hour.

[@MFoster392]

Wow thank you, i had no idea it was that quick@@GardenStateTortoise

[@Nekofemme]

👍👏❤️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🏻

[@jenskarlsson4744]

🥳

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🌞

[@melissaf.5898]

💜👏☮️👏

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🏻

[@scottwistinghausen1888]

That marinated tortoise looked a little unhealthy. I’m new to this but does anyone agree?

[@candicesacks2211]

🐢🥰👏👍❤️🌹👌

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙌🏻❤️🐢

[@Hewbrry496]

lol🐢💀

[@rajanikumari3672]

🫶💚👍

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️

[@samanthasimental3788]

Have you ever had a turtle or tortoise that did not do well with others of his species?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yep, Otis!

[@emmasmart6112]

How can that guy give his pets away he’s had 4 years but keep the eggs

[@AdventuresOfSpeckles]

What is the worlds most dangerous turtle?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

There’s really no such thing but if you go sticking your hand in the mouth of an adult male alligator snapping turtle, you’ll surely lose some fingers.

[@mphillips4324]

It infuriates me when people get a pet knowing it's a lifelong commitment for that animal but then decide they don't want it anymore. These turtles and tortoises are not expensive to keep as long as they stay relatively healthy. If they had the means to purchase the animal, they should have the means to keep them. Humans are horrible creatures.

[@sharim]

Sometimes life happens and pet owners can’t help it when illness or changed living circumstances intervene. None of the owners in this video seemed like bad people, and at least they reached out to GST to make sure their hard- (and soft!) shelled babies found the bestest forever home.

[@mphillips4324]

@@sharim yes, they all seem like nice people. Family #2 had a child. They can afford a child, I'm sure they can continue to afford a turtle/tortoise.

[@Tayturs]

I’m not far into this video and I’m already annoyed. Why is someone who is surrendering their animals to a rescue incubating eggs? Why are they trying to create more animals they clearly don’t have resources/time for? This rescue has sooo many tortoises that need homes as it is, why breed more of a species that clearly needs higher adoption rates?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Pancake tortoises are a critically endangered species from Africa. It is IMPERATIVE that they are bred in captivity to help take pressure off the precious wild populations that are still so heavily poached. They are seldom in rescue situations. This was a major rarity. Out of a breeding group of around 20 animals, only a handful of hatchlings are viably produced. They must be bred. This goes for many species across the board. Some, should not be, but for Others it’s their only hope.