KEEP THEM WILD. KEEP THEM SAFE. *

Tortoises are not pets. They are wild animals that belong in the wild.

*Please:*

*DO NOT* take tortoises home from the bush or roadside

*DO NOT* buy tortoises being sold on the side of the road — it’s ILLEGAL

*DO NOT* feed them bread, lettuce, dog food, or human food — it causes serious health issues

*DO:*

Leave wild tortoises where you find them, unless they’re in immediate danger on a road

If safe, help them cross the road _in the direction they were heading_

*REPORT* anyone collecting, transporting, or selling tortoises without a permit

In South Africa, it is *ILLEGAL* to collect, transport, or keep indigenous tortoises without a permit. Buying from roadside sellers fuels the illegal wildlife trade and often leads to slow, painful deaths for these gentle creatures.

*Help us protect them. See it? Report it.*

Wildlife Crime Hotline: 079 643 9556

_Provide: vehicle details, location, photos/video if safe_

*Found an INJURED tortoise?*

Please don’t keep it or try treat it yourself. Contact us immediately — we have the permits, experience, and veterinary support to give them the best chance.

*Free Spirit Wildlife Sanctuary* 0735595872

*[]*

Sodwana Bay, KZN

Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release

_Protecting our wildlife is a shared responsibility. Share this post. Save a life._

#EveryTortoiseMatters#KeepThemWild#tortoises#StopWildlifeCrime#FreeSpiritWildlife#npo#nonprofit#KZNWildlife#TortoiseRescue#DontBuyWild#SouthAfrica#Conservation#SodwanaBay

Let’s keep them wild.

#EveryTortoiseMatters