TURTLES LIVE LIKE FRIENDS IN THIS COUNTRY

 

 

The Sulcata tortoise, also known as the African spard or African spur thigh tortoise, is one of the most common tortoises kept as pets. Hatching is 1.5-2in in length, but under proper conditions, they can gain 5-10in per year. Large adults can reach over 100in.

A Japanese man and his giant African tortoise have become used to head-turning when they go on a walk in Tokyo. Hisao Mitani, 68, says he has been taking his pet Bon-chan on daily walks for years.Mitani has the tortoise that his wife got from a pet shop for almost 25 years. But recently he became an internet sensation when pictures of the two roaming around the city of Tokyo went viral.Mitani, owner of the funeral parlor, says that the sweet-natured turtle has also helped in the business. He says that when the grieving family visits his store, he looks at Bon-chan and smiles. Bon-chan, who regularly consumes vegetables and fruits, including apples, weighs about 154 pounds, Mitani said. He hopes that the tortoise will grow even bigger.Mitani, who has no children, says that Bon-chan will probably keep him and his wife alive. He wants someone in his neighborhood to eventually adopt the turtle.