Our Pet of the Month is a 25-year-old female Leopard Tortoise named Howard who has been part of the our family since our college days up in College Station.
Since those early days, she’s moved seven times and seems to enjoy moving about as she’s become a bit famous for one habit...
“... her escape attempts, her most notable getaway was in 2012 while we lived in Sunset Heights, when a former zookeeper found her outside a gate accidentally left open, and cared for her for a month.”
That’s actually how we found out that Howard was actually a girl – but by then – the name Howard was here to stay.
In 2022, a second Leopard Tortoise, Leo, needed a home. Howard approved, and since Leo’s arrival, she’s laid dozens of eggs. Together Howard and Leo have become proud parents to more than 30 baby tortoises who have successfully hatched and many have been adopted by various Woodland Heights neighbors.
Howard, loves her sunny front yard (a great nest area) and with her who can’t help but love face brings a warm and lively energy to the household. During the hot summer months, her favorite time of the year, she can be seen patrolling the driveway. At 55 pounds, she is full-grown and remains a beloved (and energetic) member of ourfamily.
If you meet Howard, be sure to watch your toes if you like red polish – apparently she has a particular fascination with redpainted toenails, even though she’s strictly a vegetarian.
- Brian Edmondson, Director of Infrastructure