Fifteen gentle creatures had faced immense hardship, with some kept illegally as pets in heartbreaking conditions. However, this was before the real-life heroes of the Garden Route SPCA intervened to not just rescue them but help them return to the lives they were always meant to lead.
Eastern Cape, South Africa (15 May 2025) – Fifteen tortoises have been successfully returned to the wild thanks to the tireless efforts of the Garden Route SPCA.
These creatures had been kept as illegal pets, others used by traditional healers, and some had just wandered far from safety.
“Some endured heartbreaking conditions, no grass beneath their feet, no nutritious food and had medical conditions that were just ignored,” the SPCA wrote in a video post.
This was until the SPCA stepped in.”
Some tortoises were reported to have had holes in their shells from being chained, overgrown nails from being confined and kept in horrific conditions.
“After a full vet check and a crucial period of isolation at the SPCA, they slowly but surely regained their strength.”
The SPCA reached out to the Shamwari Game Reserve and planned a mission for the tortoises’ release into the wild.
Garden Route SPCA, Inspector Gerda, was also captured in a separate clip of the video on the exciting day of the rewilding of the tortoises.
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At the end of a long drive, the resilient reptiles were safely released into their new, safer and ideal wild home.
The SPCA extended its heartfelt thanks to Dr Elke Schwellnus of VetCare for her guidance and expert care as well as to its incredible team members and every single person who helped, assisted, and stood up for these beautiful creatures.
“Your compassion made this possible. Wild animals belong in the wild, and today, 15 more are exactly where they should be,” the Garden Route SPCA said.
We applaud this amazing team for leaving no stone unturned where others may have turned a blind eye. Thanks to you, the story of these shelled beauties has been beautifully reimagined.
Sources: Garden Route SPCA
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