Turtles and tortoises are long-lived animals whose complex needs are frequently misunderstood by people who acquire them as seemingly low-maintenance pets.
Turtles and tortoises are among the most frequently neglected companion animals due to widespread misunderstanding of their needs. The image of low-maintenance pets that live happily in small tanks is fundamentally false. These animals need appropriate temperature gradients for thermoregulation, UV-B lighting for vitamin D synthesis, and enclosures far larger than typically sold with them. Their longevity means commitment that spans decades. Improper husbandry causes metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and slow painful deaths. Release of unwanted turtles into local waterways creates invasive species problems that harm native wildlife.