Tortoises have highly specific environmental and nutritional requirements and are frequently kept in conditions that cause chronic welfare compromise over their long lives.
Tortoises are slow-living animals whose welfare problems may develop over years or decades before becoming apparent. Metabolic bone disease from inadequate UV-B and calcium causes progressive skeletal deformity that represents years of chronic welfare compromise. Incorrect hibernation management — allowing tortoises to hibernate at incorrect temperatures, when underweight, or with inadequate preparation — kills large numbers of captive tortoises annually. Because tortoises are often acquired without adequate research into their complex care requirements, and because their slow metabolism means problems develop gradually, welfare failures may persist for years before the animal dies. Their longevity means that a tortoise acquired carelessly faces potential decades of welfare compromise. Pre-acquisition education is particularly important for this species.