One of our friends surprised Bob this Christmas with the gift of a baby sulcata tortoise. At 3 inches long and 2 ounces, little Mordecai isn't very impressive. But sulcata tortoises are the largest mainland tortoises in the world (only two island species are larger); when he matures, Mordecai will measure 30 inches and weigh in at close to 150 pounds. If we care for him well, he will live to be 50+ years old, becoming our children's inheritance; they are already discussing who will get him when we die or when he gets too heavy for his elderly owners to move. Mordecai is making his debut in my blog because within the next 2-3 years he is going to make a major impact on the landscaping of our backyard. He is already making a difference; this year I will be growing dandelions rather than diligently pulling them up. Dandelions leaves are already Mordecai's favorite snack.
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