Ozzie is a 35 year old Desert Tortoise at Lake Superior Zoo and I was lucky enough to not only get to hang out with him, but do a few Zoo Keeper Duties as well.

 A little history about Ozzy, he was given to the Zoo as a surrendered pet, though now they are a threatened species, so it is against the law to own them as a pet. A tortoise like Ozzy can live to be 80 years old and have been around since before the dinosaurs.

We all have been to the Zoo to see all the different animals many times unaware of just how much care and research needs to go into each species. Their diet, activity level, temperature comfort etc. For Ozzy he needs a warmer climate and even has a specially monitored heat lamp in his pen. He loves fruits and lettuce, plus he had a great time out on the grass eating some clovers and grass. He also loves dandelions and we were lucky enough to find two of them for a treat

Anytime of the year is a great time to visit Lake Superior Zoo, but especially in the summer with lots of activities for the kids, and of course a great way to learn about the animals. Check out my video below of my adventure. Thanks again to Lizzy and Sarah from Lake Superior Zoo for letting me get a hands on experience with this amazing creature.

 

 

 

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