Tortoises kept as companions require decades of specialized care, appropriate housing, and enrichment to meet their complex behavioral and physiological needs.
Pet tortoises frequently suffer from inadequate housing, improper diet, and insufficient UV-B lighting, leading to metabolic disease and shortened lifespans. Outdoor enclosures in appropriate climates, varied natural diets, and proper hibernation management are essential for long-term wellbeing. The exotic pet trade continues to threaten wild populations.