It took four people to lift the sulcata tortoise onto a wheelbarrow so it could be taken to safety.
The wildfires that wreaked havoc in Northern California over the last week had a few positive outcomes when it comes to animals, and specifically reptiles.
Check out this 85 year old, 200 lb tortise which was evacuated by a search and rescue team led by Napa County Animal Control with assistance from Dr. Sonder and Dr. Fisher on Friday. It took 4 people to lift it up into a wheel barrow so they could get it off the property, which had limited road access. A unique highlight during such somber times. A big shout out to Napa County and Animal Control for all they are doing to assist animals still out there after the fire.
Posted by Napa Valley Equine on Sunday, October 15, 2017
Napa County Animal Control, with the help of veterinarians Dr. Sonder and Dr. Fisher of Napa Valley Equine evacuated an 85-year-old, 200-pound sulcata tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) from the path of the wildfires.
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The video shows the four rescuers, some wearing masks to keep the smoke in check, and they worked in unison to hoist the reptile, first onto a tarp, and then into a wheelbarrow so they could evacuate it off the property, as there was limited road access.
"A big shout out to Napa County and Animal Control for all they are doing to assist animals still out there after the fire,” Napa Valley Equine wrote on its Facebook page.
More than 40 people perished during the California wildfires and countless pets and other animals have perished, but this tortoise was lucky that he was rescued when he was. Hats off to the Napa County Animal Control for saving this big guy.
