We see giant tortoises at the zoo and we know that many people keep tortoises as pets, even the largest breeds. When we hear about the history of turtles, we seem to understand that these are extremely ancient animals that have been around long before the humans who keep them captive and will probably be here long after we are gone. This detail alone makes the tortoise a fascinating animal to study and observe. Today we know that they feel at home both on land and in the water, for the most part. We know what they are like: stubby legs, slow, hard-shelled, etc. But what have turtles really been through in their millions of years of existence? That is what we are here to find out.

Let’s start from the beginning. During the times of evolution, turtles were among the species that partially emerged from the water and went back and forth between land and sea throughout their evolution. Only sea turtles became extinct about 200 million years ago, but traces of turtles as we know them remain. During the Triassic Period, we see the body of the tortoise take on its familiar shape. From here on, the body remains virtually unchanged.

Although the evolution of the tortoise may be easy to follow, unlike the snake, for example, there are still missing links and the gigantism expected of most prehistoric animals during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. Can you imagine a giant tortoise wandering around, eating equally giant plants? It appears that paleontologists cannot identify the exact prehistoric family from which modern turtles evolved, but can say with confidence that it was not placodonts, as previously believed.

Historically, turtles have had an influence on certain religions. In Hinduism, Vishnu is half man, half turtle and sat at the bottom of the ocean floor after a great mythical flood. In ancient Greece, the tortoise is a symbol of the Greek god Hermes. In ancient China, tortoise shells were used to make their predictions.

Today, you can find tortoises living in different parts of the world, growing to different sizes and displaying different colors and patterns. The Galapagos Islands are home to giant tortoises and it is said that they arrived there about 3 million years ago. One of the most impressive things about these tortoises is their ability to survive without food or water for up to a year. Unfortunately, this could not save the majority of the population from near extinction. Whalers and buccaneers stored them as food on long voyages, and they were used as oil to light lamps. Today, only about 25,000 wild tortoises live on the islands. Fortunately, there are conservation efforts to preserve these herbivores from human intervention and other factors that have added to their decline.

In the United States, people generally like turtles. Many see them as the perfect pet as they are relatively low maintenance. They hibernate in the winter until around April, eat a simple, regular diet, and don’t really need training or walking. Caring for a tortoise generally emphasizes having the proper environment and diet. They have been observed to enjoy human contact, although they are not very social animals. If kept with other turtles, they can become aggressive but not seriously injured. They like to dig and will try to dig under walls or fences, so be sure to secure any enclosures.

Find a turtle for sale

You can find a turtle for sale just about anywhere these days. Popular tortoises, such as the Russian tortoise and the red-footed tortoise, are available at exotic pet stores and can also be found online. Before purchasing a tortoise, be sure to research the breed and its specific needs for lighting, temperature, and habitat. Knowing about the evolution and history of turtles does not mean that you know everything about modern turtles. Learn how to care for a tortoise properly to make sure you’re ready to handle the responsibility that comes with owning such an ancient animal.