Spinner came to the sanctuary 26 years ago as an adult box turtle. She arrived with a major problem. She had been abused by youngsters who spun her around by her arms causing her to permanently move in a circle. This made it impossible for her to eat by herself.

Of course, my heart went out to her immediately as she was our first true special needs turtle. Never, in a million years, did I think then that she would survive to see her 26th year with us. Since she was a full-grown adult turtle when she arrived, her true age could be anywhere from 30 to 50.

Every time she tries to eat, she instead slowly spins in a circle. Without human help, she would starve to death. Spinner is part of a group of special needs turtles who live together in the turtle hospital here. Their outdoor time is in a safe large house that provides sun and shade but is predator-proof. Spinner loves mealworms and bananas. We feed her by hand using small forceps. She works pretty hard at it, but generally gets down 15 worms and a banana every week.

We are in awe of her amazing resilience to live with her disability. Please make a donation in her name and in honor of the many special needs turtles and tortoises that preceded her and that will follow in her footsteps.

At American Tortoise Rescue, we weep for those who were abused like Spinner and never had a chance to live out their lives in safety and with love.

Susan and Marshall