Chonk is an adorable ginger tabby who lives with a reptile rescuer at Riley’s Reptiles in Pennsylvania. Most of the animals are in aquariums or enclosures. The exact moment when the cat meets the tortoise is a visible experience. When an outside excursion meant Salt was on the wrong side of the door to explore the yard vegetation, Chonk acts surprised.
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The wary cat’s eyes go from curiosity to shock as it meets the tortoise’s gaze. Meanwhile, the dog is just meandering around like everything is normal. As Salt approaches the door, Chonk begins backing away slowly, not letting his eyes wander from the potential threat. Although the cat has probably seen the tortoise before, it is not sure about this whole freedom thing.
Salt is a female tortoise who enjoys veggies and seems to enjoy the freedom of roving in the yard. She does roam inside, too. Salt enjoys life from the luxury of her cat bed (hear the irony) to her pile of lettuce.
We’re pretty sure Chonk’s look of surprise is in seeing the tortoise outside the window rather than inside. Salt is an African spurred tortoise, also known as a sulcata tortoise. This type of tortoise is very popular as a pet. They grow quickly and reach over 100 pounds, with a carapace length of 30 inches. The only larger tortoises are from the islands of Aldabra and Galápagos.
This tortoise species is intelligent and curious. It will explore on its own and is not hesitant about meeting other species. We’re unsure if Chonk the cat meets the tortoise’s expectations, but the two might become great friends given a chance. Perhaps when Chonk overcomes the shock of seeing a walking rock?
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