Many temperate tortoise species hibernate naturally in winter. Managing hibernation safely in captivity requires knowledge and preparation to prevent the suffering and death that poor hibernation practice causes.
Hibernation is a natural and necessary process for many captive tortoise species, but poorly managed hibernation is one of the most common causes of tortoise death. A tortoise that enters hibernation underweight, with gut full of undigested food, at the wrong temperature, or for too long can develop bladder stones, aspiration pneumonia, or simply fail to wake. The welfare responsibility lies with the keeper to understand the species' specific hibernation requirements, monitor weight throughout the pre-hibernation period, maintain safe temperatures throughout hibernation, and ensure a careful wake-up and health assessment process.