One family's heartwarming desert tortoise adoption journey

When Phil Hinson’s son met the desert tortoise, Tortilla, there was no doubt they had an instant connection. During an adoption event with the Arizona Game & Fish Department last year, his son stepped into the enclosure for the first time and Tortilla instantly came running up to him as fast as a tortoise can. She even let him feed her some fresh greens. It was love at first sight.

“My son loves reptiles, and he has always wanted to adopt one.”

Tortilla the Tortuga was instantly welcomed into the family of four, including their two indoor cats (who keep a safe distance!). At an estimated 10-12 years old, Tortilla was put up for adoption by AZGFD in May 2024. Now, she’s a spritely addition to the Hinson family. So, how did she get there?

After learning about the tortoise adoption program through the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, Phil and his wife Lauren began to seriously consider welcoming a wildlife creature into their home. When they had an opportunity to move into a new house with a bigger backyard space, the Hinson family got straight to work on preparations to bring Tortilla home.

Using metal roofing materials and redwood posts, Phil began to construct the habitat per the requirements needed to properly care for a tortoise. This included making sure the metal pieces were placed at least 12 inches deep into the ground so Tortilla wouldn’t be able to dig her way out of her new home. Creating a safe and reliable burrow is key, especially during brumation periods when tortoises become dormant for several months.

Admittedly, Phil described how setting up the habitat is often the hardest part of preparing to care for a desert tortoise. He connected with Jarrod at Arizona Tortoise Tubes for guidance on constructing the burrow. Jarrod supplied a corrugated construction tube nearly four feet long, which is placed underground and subsequently covered in dirt. These sturdy tubes are easy to bury and can be adjusted to accommodate tortoises of all sizes.

“I wanted the burrow to look good and also be safe for Tortilla. I’m not handy at all, so what you see is what anyone can do. Lucky for us, as soon as we brought her back, she found the burrow, went right in, and made herself at home.”

Phil planted native desert plants in the yard, which assist in providing food and shade for Tortilla—an important factor especially during summer months. An existing desert willow tree was a primary reason why the family chose the house as their new home. Not only does it offer protection near Tortilla’s burrow, but she also loves to snack on its flowers!

Naturally, Tortilla eats well. The kids spoil her by bringing her dandelion greens. She enjoys a steady diet of leafy vegetables, blossoms from native plants, weeds like spotted spurge, as well as other grasses like Bermuda. Special treats include some of her favorites: desert globe mallow or grapevine leaves.

In addition to eating, Phil confirmed that Tortilla is living her best life. Her hobbies include a revered love of sunbathing, getting all the good back scratches, napping in the shade, being hand-fed, and, of course, spending time with her best friends: Phil and Lauren’s two young children, Lennon and Hollis.

“Having a desert tortoise has been a great learning experience for the kids. She’s so interesting to watch and easy to care for. We’re grateful for the ability to give Tortilla a loving home.”

Tortoise owners across the state have connected on social media through Facebook groups, a place where owners can swap stories, share advice, and post photos of their reptilian friends. Phil described how there’s nothing else like this close-knit local desert tortoise community. And that one day, his son would like to run a tortoise sanctuary of his own.

Do you want to welcome a desert tortoise into your family? Learn more about our adoption program here.