Hi, my name is Barbara. My husband, Albert, and I have two Sulcata Tortoises, August and October. On Monday, March 3, 2025, their enclosure caught fire. Luckily, we were home at the time and Albert was able to rescue them both before it was too late. We rushed them to an emergency Veterinary Hospital in Fernandina Beach, FL. They are both stable and under 48-hour observation, receiving oxygen and X-rays. August received little damage, mostly smoke inhalation, and will most likely be able to come home afterward. October, however, received a lot of damage to his shell and lost skin on his front legs. He will need extensive long-term care and possibly be transferred to UF Zoo Med Hospital in Gainesville, FL for wound care and pain management. Right now, the vet bills are at a little over $6000.

We will also need to purchase a new enclosure for them, which will be around $400-$500.

If you can assist in any way, we will be very grateful. As all of our friends and family know, our reptiles and fur babies mean the world to us and we always make sure they are well taken care of. Please share as you see fit.