Giant Sulcata Tortoises Overwhelm U.S. Rescues

American Tortoise Rescue Calls for a Halt on Sales and BreedingMalibu, CA – October 7, 2014 – American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), Malibu, CA, is calling on the pet industry, reptile wholesalers and private breeders to stop the breeding and sale of giant tortoises commonly called sulcatas.  Geochelone sulcata is a hardy and personable species of tortoise.  Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it became part of the lucrative pet trade during the 1990s.  Hatchlings have an engaging nature and are extremely cute making them one of the most commonly purchased pet tortoises in North America, usually as