Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport has welcomed two African Spurred Tortoises from Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach, providing a permanent home for the animals following increased public concern over animal care standards at the facility.
- The two tortoises, both approximately 40 years old, were transferred to Alaqua earlier this month after being surrendered to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which then contacted the refuge to request permanent placement.
“Chewbacca,” a 77-pound male, and “Mr. Leia,” a 120-pound male, are settling into their new home under the care of Alaqua’s team. Both animals are members of one of the largest tortoise species in the world and require significant space, heat and a specialized diet to thrive.
“This was about giving Chewbacca and Mr. Leia the kind of care every animal deserves — room to roam, a species-appropriate habitat, and the peace of a true sanctuary,” said Laurie Hood, founder and president of Alaqua Animal Refuge. “They’ve spent decades on display. Now they get to just be tortoises.”
The transfer comes as heightened public attention is being paid to the welfare of animals in captive environments, particularly in light of recent scrutiny surrounding conditions at Gulf World. While Alaqua does not house marine wildlife, the organization stepped in to provide a safe solution for these land-dwelling reptiles.
African Spurred Tortoises, also known as Sulcata tortoises, can live more than 70 years and are native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. They are often kept as exotic pets, which can lead to welfare issues when their needs are misunderstood or unmet.
Alaqua plans to incorporate Chewbacca and Mr. Leia into its educational programming to help raise awareness about responsible exotic pet ownership and long-term animal care.
