Big and Small Tortoise Rescue and Sanctuary

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Big and Small Tortoise Rescue and Sanctuary We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit tortoise rescue and sanctuary located in Ames, IA.

Our organization’s purposes are to (1) rescue, rehabilitate, and foster tortoises that are in need; (2) to adopt those in good health to suitable, loving, forever homes; (3) to provide sanctuary for as many as possible or those in poor and irrecoverable health; and (4) to educate the public in the proper care of tortoises.

This is a courtesy post! "Set" is a mature male redfoot, who currently lives in Missoula, Montana. I'm not sure how far...
01/02/2025

This is a courtesy post! "Set" is a mature male redfoot, who currently lives in Missoula, Montana. I'm not sure how far our audience reaches but I thought we could try to find Set a good home. :)

Set has been with his owner for a long time and is likely 17+ years old. He currently lives with two female redfoots, but the owner feels a bit overwhelmed as they grow and wants to see if there's a home that can provide more space. Ideally we can find Set another redfoot group to join. He is very pretty and healthy! The individual adopting him would need to be local to Missoula or willing to travel there.

If you can help please message, comment and fill out the form linked below. Thanks!
https://bigandsmalltortoise.org/sanctuary/adoption/

I need some help to get our next project going, and it will be a big and expensive one! My husband and I have personall...
23/01/2025

I need some help to get our next project going, and it will be a big and expensive one! My husband and I have personally moved to Boone, Iowa and we would like to move the tortoise rescue out to Boone as well, if possible. We have 7 acres near our new home to build on and I'm asking for referrals to construction firms and builders that can take on this project. I have generated a few AI images of designs I am hoping for (something similar. It's AI, I did my best! ). If you know of someone who does awesome work and is easy to work with for building pole barns, please let me know or comment with their info below!

As for the Ames Nursery location, I have been super super appreciative to use the space thus far. It has allowed us to grow and has been a wonderful stepping stone for the organization. I am forever grateful. I hope to either keep renting it ourselves and maintain two locations, Boone for sanctuary residents/programs and Ames for drop-offs/adoptions. OR we will mentor another tortoise/turtle keeper to start their own rescue at the Ames Nursery, if possible. The more people in this line of work, the better!

Either way, and whatever the future holds, I am excited, a little scared, and in a time crunch for spring! Thanks in advance!

This is a courtesy post! Arty is a male Greek tortoise available for adoption to the right home in Dubuque, Iowa. His c...
14/01/2025

This is a courtesy post! Arty is a male Greek tortoise available for adoption to the right home in Dubuque, Iowa. His current owner has done well with him, providing a proper home, vet checked and cured of worms, etc. However they feel he could find a more experienced home.

From my personal experience - Out of all our tortoises, our little male Greek is one of my favorites to just sit and watch. They are small but with a mighty big personality, constantly running around and ramming into things in their way. Sure to make you laugh daily! 🤣

It would be great if those interested could apply for adoption. Please fill out the form linked here and also message me! Thank you!

https://bigandsmalltortoise.org/sanctuary/adoption/

Update - this tortoise has been adopted. Thanks! >>>>>>>>This is a courtesy post. This is Gilbert, a male russian torto...
02/01/2025

Update - this tortoise has been adopted. Thanks!

>>>>>>>>

This is a courtesy post. This is Gilbert, a male russian tortoise looking for a new home in Omaha, NE. The owners have had him for about 4 years but will be moving in a few weeks and cannot take him with. Please if you can provide a good home for him, and can travel to Omaha to pick him up, let me know. The application, if you haven't filled one out already is at the link below. Thank you!

https://bigandsmalltortoise.org/sanctuary/adoption/

Update - both tortoises have been adopted to two different loving homes :) So happy we were able to find not one, but t...
23/11/2024

Update - both tortoises have been adopted to two different loving homes :) So happy we were able to find not one, but two great homes. Thank you!!!

>>>>>>

This is a courtesy post for those in Counil Bluffs, IA area! There will be a few more russians I'll post soon as well. So we will need many homes! I know I've been slow to respond to many adoption applications because it's hard to respond to every single one. If you have never gotten responses before it doesn't mean you're denied. Please keep reaching out if you feel you can provide a good home.

Here is a description from the current owners:
🐢Zander and Eliza, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, are looking for new homes. They are currently housed together, but should not be...so they do NOT need to be adopted together.

Zander (the smaller male) is 5-7 years old. He loves digging, climbing, eating, and Eliza (if you catch my drift).

Eliza is a big, bossy girl. She is 8-10 years old. Her favorite things are sitting on their food so Zander can't eat, Hibiscus flowers and dandelions, and her outdoor enclosure.

One 3'x6' enclosure and lights are included with adoption, if you want them (photos available upon request).🐢

Thanks! Please fill out the adoption application at the link below, if you're interested :) please message me here as well (easier to communicate that way)

https://bigandsmalltortoise.org/sanctuary/adoption/

Thank you to YSS and Annie Boelen for their donations of hydroponic-grown romaine! Sounds like they have a very advance...
16/11/2024

Thank you to YSS and Annie Boelen for their donations of hydroponic-grown romaine! Sounds like they have a very advanced growing system and a great program there! The kids grew very nice lettuce! I appreciate you letting our tortoises enjoy the leftovers from this great program! 😊

Update - this tortoise's owner was never found so the finder has taken ownership of her :) (and thankfully so! She was ...
26/10/2024

Update - this tortoise's owner was never found so the finder has taken ownership of her :) (and thankfully so! She was taken to Dr.Ford and found to have a large bladder stone that is being addressed. Glad she found a great home afterall ❤️)

>>>>>>

Found tortoise! This sulcata tortoise was found in Colfax, Iowa. A friend is caring for it at the moment, and wants to find the owner if they're looking! Spread the word, thanks!

This is a courtesy post! I've been reluctant to post water turtles again because they just seem to be impossible to reho...
23/10/2024

This is a courtesy post!

I've been reluctant to post water turtles again because they just seem to be impossible to rehome. (Which is sad but true) I have a feeling these cute little ones will attract some attention and find a home though. These turtles are a painted turtle and a red bellied cooter turtle. They are located in Clinton, Iowa.

They are super adorable at this size, but of course be aware they're going to grow and will need large tanks and regular cleanings! Ideally, we would like to find someone with outdoor ponds for summer. Please comment or message me if you can provide a home for them.

Our tortoise vet, Dr. Ford, is moving to a clinic in Spencer, IA. We hope to continue to see her despite the distance, b...
15/10/2024

Our tortoise vet, Dr. Ford, is moving to a clinic in Spencer, IA. We hope to continue to see her despite the distance, but those in the Okoboji area are very lucky! Check in with Homestead Small Animal Practice soon to see her as part of their new exotics department!

Post 2 out of 2, photo updates! Sept/Oct 2024 :)
06/10/2024

Post 2 out of 2, photo updates! Sept/Oct 2024 :)

I try to have my phone on me during chores and snap photos whenever i catch them in cute spots. Lately i have too many ...
06/10/2024

I try to have my phone on me during chores and snap photos whenever i catch them in cute spots. Lately i have too many photos, so I'll have to share them in two posts. Here's 1 of 2, Aug/Sept 2024! If you don't see your tortoise here check for the next post!

I have so many photos of the tortoises (and birds) to share as an update soon! But in the meantime I wanted to share so...
06/10/2024

I have so many photos of the tortoises (and birds) to share as an update soon! But in the meantime I wanted to share some current events.

🐢 First, thank you to my supportive coworkers at Trace Genomics where i work my day job! They helped me make more shirts and even sport them every week at work for "Turtle Tuesday" 😁 Since we have a lot of shirts now, let me know if you'd like to order anything. Tshirts, long sleeve tshirts, sweatshirts, etc

🐢 Ames High Biology class stopped in for a field trip, and I really enjoyed it! I think they did too! You're welcome to come back next year!

And more exciting news to come soon!

This is crazy awesome! A while back, I asked for participation in a coloring contest so I could fill our walls with col...
25/09/2024

This is crazy awesome! A while back, I asked for participation in a coloring contest so I could fill our walls with colorful and uplifting drawings. To my surprise there was international participation! This creative little artist from Sri Lanka drew us a couple pictures - thank you! But I am in love with the tortoise drawing! It's so whimsical and fun! I am considering making this either a tshirt design or a full wall mural, with the artist's permission of course 😊. Votes???

Artist credit -
MandilNethumika Sigera
5 years old
From Sri Lanka

Update - adopted to a great home out of IL with the proper license 😁 So appreciative!!! >>>>>>>>This is a courtesy post...
16/09/2024

Update - adopted to a great home out of IL with the proper license 😁 So appreciative!!!

>>>>>>>>

This is a courtesy post... Cupid is an adorable eastern box turtle looking for a new home in Macomb, Illinois. The owners captured her and two others from the wild out east and brought them to Illinois. Over the last 1.5 yrs, two have died likely due to poor care which is absolutely heartbreaking. The owners were moving out and going to just leave her behind in their trailer. Thankfully a good Samaritan took her in and is looking for someone who can help provide her with proper care. We have one week to help find Cupid a home she deserves! I am so appreciative the person who has her now is caring for her and reached out to us for help. I am so determined to find this girl the best home!

Please fill out an application below if interested and message me too! Thanks!

https://bigandsmalltortoise.org/sanctuary/adoption/

Lets see how far our audience stretches! This is a courtesy post for those living in or around Oklahoma! 😁 There are t...
10/09/2024

Lets see how far our audience stretches! This is a courtesy post for those living in or around Oklahoma! 😁 There are two separate families looking for a new home for their sulcata. Both are limited on indoor space this winter!

Merlin (first photo) is a 7 yr old male in Arcadia, Oklahoma. I missed the name of the second one but he is 4 yrs old and in Gore, Oklahoma. They are looking for good homes so owners have peace of mind through this process and I'm hoping we can help with that! If you can adopt, please fill out the application linked below! Thanks!

https://bigandsmalltortoise.org/sanctuary/adoption/

This is a courtesy post. Sam is a big male sulcata in Hartford, South Dakota and he is looking for an adopter local to h...
09/09/2024

This is a courtesy post. Sam is a big male sulcata in Hartford, South Dakota and he is looking for an adopter local to him or an adopter willing to drive to pick him up!

He is approximately 36 years old and weighs 90 to 100 pounds. (So be prepared for the full sulcata experience!!) Recently, the owners did not have room for him and therefore, had to place him in someone else's yard for the time being. As winter approaches, he needs to find a new home! I hope we can help him! Who cannot love this guy? He apparently will do the tortoise b***y dance too when sprayed with water! 😆

Please if you can provide a home for this big guy, please fill out the application linked below, and message me so I don't miss the application -
https://bigandsmalltortoise.org/sanctuary/adoption/

Update - Olivia has made quite an impression on me..... And the previous owner donates sooooooo she can stay here! 🥰 >>>...
07/09/2024

Update - Olivia has made quite an impression on me..... And the previous owner donates sooooooo she can stay here! 🥰

>>>>>

Olivia is a redfoot available for adoption in Ames, Iowa here with us. She is about 11+ yrs old and was initially surrendered so she could find a home that provided her with better care. The owners love her dearly but recently realized that Olivia needed more than they could offer. So they selflessly reached out to us and we helped find her a new home. She was adopted but had to be returned by my request and I appreciate everyone understanding! Now she is with us and back up for adoption to the right home.

She has a quirky appearance with an underbite, meaning she will need somewhat regular beak trimming and maintenance. She will need both an indoor and outdoor enclosure setup and approved prior to anyone bringing her home.

If you believe you could help Olivia finally find her forever home, please fill out the adoption application at the link below :)

https://bigandsmalltortoise.org/sanctuary/adoption/

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On our way....🐢🐢 (I don't know why it's human nature to call after them when he's coming for me whether I like it or not! 😂)

Update - pending adoption! Thankfully we had several willing to help out and Scratch will go to a great home with a veterinarian in Minnesota! I am blown away and so happy for Scratch and the owners to have this releif in a tough situation :) >>>>>>>>> This is a courtesy post. Scratch is a female russian tortoise on the Northshore of Chicago who needs an experienced home that can take on a rescue. Scratch is not feeling well and hasn't been herself for about a year. The owners realized she wasn't doing well and took her to a vet. They gave a potential diagnosis of leukemia that has no cure but by no means is this for sure. I personally do not believe that diagnosis is true after learning more about the situation. There is always a potential that proper care alone could turn this tortoise around and we are looking for someone to give her that last chance. There is no fees whatsoever. Please let us know if you can help!

Rafa showing off his progress :) When he arrived from his previous home, following a damaging surgery at their vets, he was completely immobile and had been for months. So he was very stiff and with minimal muscle. Well he has been here about a year and a half if I recall (previous owners correct me if I'm wrong!). It was about a year of moving only in a cart, but this summer, he has taken off on his own! I find him all over the enclosure now and it makes me so happy. He follows others around. He is loving the interactions and tries to mate anything, (obviously can't do much though.) But it's great to have the desire and motivation to follow and get him moving. He steps with his entire forearm on the ground, but it works! He was always better with his back legs. His front was very stiff and it may take much longer before he is stepping correctly in the front, if ever. But I think he will just keep improving... he has come so far! :)

Males Follow, Females Lead!
Males Follow, Females Lead!

No need to see tails for sexing redfoots. Just throw them in a group setting and you will know! Males follow, Females lead!! 🤣

staying cool!
staying cool!

When you're jealous the neighbors got a pool on a hot day! 😎 No actually I've just been spraying them with a hose on hot days and it makes them all come out and play 😁 Goliath - yellowfoot Noodle and Seabee - leopards

Since everyone loved the lounging raccoon photo, i thought I'd share - Tonight I learned why she is so tired! I caught her getting a drink from a tortoise pen earlier in the evening, and i was looking for her in her spot in the tree, but instead i saw 5 little heads 😍. They're all watching, like where is mom!? Right after this, she started heading up the tree in slow-mo. She is tired for good reason! 😂

Make me proud - what's wrong with these care recommendations?

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About Us...

“Big or Small – We rescue them all!” We are a tortoise rescue and sanctuary located in Ames, IA. As an official 501(c)3 non-profit organization and a Licensed Animal Welfare Facility, we are fully prepared to care for any and all, big or small, tortoises in need!

Also please check our website for more detailed info: https://bigandsmalltortoise.org/rescue/