Rescued! Three Tortoises Thrive at Texas Sanctuary After SeaQuest Roseville Shutdown
After nearly six years of confining hundreds of animals in squalid, hellish conditions, SeaQuest Roseville finally closed its doors. And now, three special reptiles got a fresh start.
Meet the trio of African spurred tortoises, also known as sulcatas, who were rescued from the dreary confines of a Minnesota mall and whisked away to a little piece of paradise—Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation (WRR), a stunning 212-acre Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)-accredited sanctuary in the heart of Texas. PETA covered the cost of their 1,100-mile journey, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Wildlife Confiscation Network oversaw the placement of the rescued animals.
These long-lived reptiles will receive the expert care they deserve for the rest of their lives—which could be well over 50 years. They’ll spend their days exactly as they should: basking in the warm Texas sun, stretching their legs through lush green grass, digging deep burrows, and just being tortoises—a far cry from the neon lights, concrete floors, and gawking crowds they endured at SeaQuest Roseville.
Sulcatas, Like All Animals, Are Someone
Sulcatas are the third largest tortoise species in the world, weighing in at over 100 pounds! Despite their tough outer shell, they’re surprisingly sensitive—they can feel pressure and pain through their shells. These gentle giants like to explore and need lots of space to roam and dig.
This happy outcome didn’t happen by accident—it happened because caring people stepped in to make sure these animals weren’t just “relocated”—they were rescued.
And that’s something to celebrate.
The animals at the remaining interactive mall aquariums deserve the same respect and compassion. You can take action by never supporting interactive mall aquariums or roadside zoos that prioritize profit over animal welfare. All animals housed in such places belong in reputable facilities where they can get the care they deserve—before more die.
