Tumbleweed’s story began in Newport, CA, where he was found in a small cage, barely able to move. A rescue facility saved him, estimating that he was around 55 years old. But because of his sheer size, they couldn’t keep him. That’s when we got the call.

Within 24 hours, we were on our way to pick him up. The rescue facility warned us that he had likely never seen the outdoors, and that everything would be new to him. They also gave us another warning—tortoises are master escape artists.

We weren’t too worried. Our property is enclosed by a 1/4-inch wire gauge fence, buried two feet deep. Confident that Tumbleweed was safe, we brought him home. At first, he hesitated, unsure of his surroundings. The dogs were curious. But then, he took his first steps—and he never stopped.

A few days passed, and then suddenly—he was gone. This massive tortoise somehow escaped. We put up posters, searched for him day and night, and even tried using night vision goggles (which, in hindsight, didn’t make much sense for a reptile).

Two weeks later, we got a call from a neighbor—three miles away. Tumbleweed had been found. We brought him home and immediately started reinforcing a more personalized enclosure. But before the final touches were done, he escaped again.

This time, we started searching immediately. It was like he had vanished. Days passed, and I started thinking—maybe he just wants to be free. After spending his life in a cage, he had tasted freedom, and maybe he was determined to live that way.

But then, a week later, we got another call. Tumbleweed had traveled six miles in the opposite direction. A sweet 90-year-old woman had found him. We picked him up, brought him home, and put the final touches on his now fully escape-proof enclosure.

Today, Tumbleweed has everything he could ever need. A heated house, his own pond, and daily animal visitors who love him. He may have had a rough start, but now, he is exactly where he belongs.

Want to help Tumbleweed live his best life? He loves lettuce and canned pears, so every donation helps keep him happy and well-fed. Donate here.

Donate directly to this animal’s care or support the whole A & K crew by clicking here — every little bit makes a big difference!