Cotton is a young leopard tortoise that arrived at the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in a devastating condition with a shell as soft as bread- a clear indicator of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
Springs, South Africa (21 February 2025) – When a little leopard tortoise about three years old was handed over to South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre’s Leanne Hezlett, she could immediately tell something was wrong. Claimed to have been found on the side of the road, she had doubts and was utterly devastated by the poor creature’s condition.
According to the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (SAWRC), the tortoise’s shell was so soft that it felt like a soft, pliable loaf of bread in Leanne’s hand, an unmistakable sign of Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
As a sad result, Cotton, as she has now been named, struggles to walk, eat, and breathe.
Her MBD condition, which is entirely preventable, is believed to have resulted from being kept as a pet on a poor diet and receiving improper care, depriving her of a full life.
Leanne suspects that Cotton was kept as a pet, likely illegally, and fed the wrong foods, which led to imbalanced calcium and phosphorus levels.
“In the wild, leopard tortoises graze on a variety of nutrient-rich grasses, weeds, and flowers, basking under the sun to synthesize essential Vitamin D3,” SAWRC explains.
Hope for Cotton
Despite Cotton’s dire state, hope is on the horizon, thanks to the dedication of Leanne and the expertise of Dr Robert Campbell.
They’ve developed a tailored treatment plan, including supplements, sunlight exposure, and pain management, to give Cotton a fighting chance.
“Treating MBD is complex and requires Calcium and Vitamin D3 with a host of other supplementation in correct amounts to restore bone density. Sunlight exposure promotes natural Vitamin D3 synthesis, and frequent pain management and supportive care to improve mobility and quality of life,” says SAWRC.
Wild Animals Aren’t Pets
Cotton’s condition is a stark reminder of the consequences of ignorance and neglect. And importantly, that wild animals belong in the wild.
“Wild animals are not pets. We urge anyone considering a reptile as a pet to research thoroughly and understand the responsibility it entails.
“A poor diet or inadequate care can lead to irreversible suffering, just like this tortoise is experiencing now.”
Thanks to compassionate experts like Leanne and Dr Campbell, there is a glimmer of hope for this tortoise’s recovery.
Sources: South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 