After almost seven months of gentle care, Blue’s shell has healed nicely, and he’s just about ready to find his feet in the wild.
Limpopo, South Africa (22 September 2025) – Earlier this year, we shared the rescue story of Blue. Saved by the Wild Heart Wildlife Foundation, he had been brought to safety by the team after escaping the captivity of a traditional healer’s backyard.
When the team rescued Blue, he had been covered entirely in blue enamel paint. The traditional healer had likely painted him as a means of identification.
Paint is by no measure healthy for a tortoise’s shell, which forms part of its skeletal structure, fused to its ribs and spine. Their shells are porous, which allows them to absorb moisture and sunlight vital to processes like vitamin D synthesis and calcium absorption.
And so it became a mission for the team at Wild Heart Wildlife to gradually remove the paint from Blue’s shell and nurse him back to health.
It hasn’t been a quick fix.
Under care for almost seven months, Blue has endured a fair amount of stress as the team has painstakingly, bit by bit, worked to remove the enamel paint from his shell with non-toxic products, electrolytes and soothing disinfectants to help along his healing.
Thanks to Blue’s carers, Paul and Carina, Blue is looking much better now. Most of the paint has been removed and he has gained some necessary weight.
Recently, the team shared that it’s almost time for him to find his feet in the wild again.
“After months of rehabilitation, this previously abused tortoise, whose shell had been damaged by blue enamel paint, is finally looking as he should. The wild will be calling you back soon,” says the team.
Heart Wildlife’s team says they will track down Blue’s origins by means of DNA testing. This will enable them to find the best possible spot for his release.
The team, who have spent many hours caring for Blue, prove that every life is worth saving. Sometimes, it may take months to nurse a previously abused or ill animal back to health, but it’s all worth it.
Love you, Blue!
Sources: Linked above
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