03/24/2026
Meet the Kindred Critters!
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It's time to properly introduce this lovely little lady. This is Matilda, the Leopard Tortoise!
She joined our family in December 2025, she's almost 2 years old, and has a LOT of growing to do!
In Nova Scotia you must have a permit to keep turtles and tortoises as pets. This is due to the invasive nature of turtle species such as Red Eared Sliders, and the specialized care requirements and long life spans of exotic tortoise species.
We obtained a permit from the Government of Nova Scotia to keep Matilda. We took her in after her original owners moved to Nova Scotia and were looking to rehome their tortoises. They had contacted the Museum of Natural History to see if they could take them in, but they're at tortoise capacity with Gus! But it was thanks to that inquiry that we learned about the tortoises in need!
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Leopard Tortoises get their name from the markings on their shell which resemble a leopard's spots. They are considered the 4th largest tortoise species in the world (which is why we say Matilda has a lot of growing left to do!), they can live 80-100 years, and get to be 12-24 inches in length! They come from Africa and require a high temperature in their enclosure, and a lot of space to roam!
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If you want to meet Matilda be sure to request her when booking a visit from Kindred Critters!
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