Bill the Big Gay Tortoise @ Nashville Pride

Sulcata tortoises, also known as African spurred tortoises, are large, herbivorous reptiles native to the southern Sahara region of Africa. They are the third largest land tortoise, known for their impressive size, reaching 24-30 inches in length and weighing 70-200 pounds. These tortoises are long-lived, with lifespans exceeding 50 years in the wild and often over 100 years in captivity. They are powerful diggers digging massive underground burrows in the African deserts.

In addition to their resilience, Sulcata tortoises are deeply respected in many African cultures. In Senegalese traditions, for example, they are symbols of: virtue, happiness, fertility, and longevity.

Some cultures even view them as spiritual intermediaries between the living and their ancestors—a testament to the reverence these animals inspire. This tortoise is named after Edgehill’s founding pastor Bill Barnes. He was born in Arizona at a rescue facility, so he is an African American Tortoises!

Reverend Barnes loved tortoises and often spoke of their wisdom and patience. These are herbivores that eat 95% grass and other ground plants and flowers.

They require a heated habitat in the TN winters and at least an acre of well-maintained grazing areas.They have great personalities, enjoy interacting with people and other animals and have never bitten anyone in malice.

Although, they can mistake a finger or toe as a tasty treat. If you have colored toenail polish watch out! Their shells have nerve endings so they can feel you touching their shell, and they love a good back scratch and a water sprinkler on their shells.