African tortoise found on base

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Katherine Grabham
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Airmen from the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron "Dirt Boys" are used to unearthing old or discarded items while they work around base. However, they made a rather interesting discovery on the base's perimeter road June 1 that might be a first around here.

Meet "Hinz," an African Spurred Tortoise, who was found wandering near the horse stables. The African Spurred Tortoise is the largest of the African mainland tortoises, with males growing to about 35 inches and females growing as large as 26 inches. These tortoises can live for up to 100 years.

Hinz was named by members of 19th CES in honor of 1st Lt. Jason Hinz, who was promoted to O-2 that same day.

She has found a new home at the Little Rock Zoo June 3. Zoo officials determined that the tortoise is a female and that she is roughly 15 years old. They will be keeping her name and possibly placing her on display after they help her get settled in her new home. She will be living near the "Vampire Cage."

One of the zoo's zoologists said she appears to have been domesticated because she wasn't frightened by children or other animals. Officials believe she may have been a pet who was turned loose by her owners.

Base residents are reminded of their responsibilities as pet owners. Pets should not be chained or tethered and should be provided sufficient shelter from sun and inclement weather. Owners must clean up any waste deposited by their pets, no matter where it is deposited.

Finally, pet owners must humanely dispose of unwanted pets or pets that can't be adequately cared for. This can be achieved by finding the pet a new home, calling an area animal shelter or contacting the local animal control facility.