African Spurred Tortoise is at something of a crossroads in captivity these days. From a small tan hatchling with wide, alert eyes and a ravenous appetite, these wonderful tortoises quickly (in tortoise terms) can become backyard giants.They grow very large and incredibly heavy with needs that outweigh many keepers' expectations and abilities. Despite their very large size as adults, these tortoises can inspire individual keepers and entire families. By keeping them properly, children and adults learn respect for a living animal and its needs. Daily routines spring up around this new and exotic pet that instill thoughfulness and responsibility.