Franklin the marginated tortoise is emerging from his winter hibernation after spending 15 weeks in a refrigerator at the British Columbia Wildlife Park. The tortoise, rescued in 2022, will move into an indoor habitat with a new companion, a red-footed tortoise named Mortimer.
Franklin the marginated tortoise will be emerging from his winter slumber on January 14, 2025, after spending 15 weeks in a cool refrigerator at the British Columbia Wildlife Park . This marks a significant milestone for Franklin, who was rescued from the shores of Shuswap Lake in 2022. Animal care manager Tracy Reynolds explains that marginated tortoises thrive in warm, dry Mediterranean climates, making the harsh B.C. Interior winters unsuitable for outdoor living.
Franklin has been kept at a comfortable 6 degrees Celsius in a refrigerator at the park. However, his time in the chilly confines is coming to an end. He will soon be moving into a spacious indoor habitat, where he will be joined by a new companion, a red-footed tortoise named Mortimer. Reynolds believes Franklin was likely an abandoned pet, cared for by his rescuers for several months before being entrusted to the park's care. She emphasizes that brumation, the natural winter dormancy period for cold-blooded animals like tortoises, allows them to conserve energy during the colder months. While their bodies slow down significantly, tortoises don't completely shut down; they occasionally move around in their hibernation areas. Franklin's initial move-out date was Tuesday, but it has been postponed by a day due to the absence of his keeper. When he first arrived at the park, Franklin was reserved and unwell, but his health has steadily improved. He has become more active and outgoing, revealing hints of his personality. Reynolds notes that both Franklin and Mortimer were once pets, but their owners likely relinquished them due to the long-term commitment involved in caring for these creatures. She uses Franklin's story to underscore the importance of thorough research before acquiring any pet, especially tortoises, as some species, including marginated tortoises, can live for an impressive 100 years or more. The decision to own a tortoise is not a fleeting one, it's a lifelong responsibility
Tortoise Brumation Wildlife Park British Columbia Pets
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