Rex the Tortoise: A Unique Journey in Scottsdale

Rex is a tortoise who became a temporary resident at Brian and Sara Westfall’s home in Scottsdale, Arizona, as they searched for his owner. Named for his resemblance to a dinosaur, Rex, a giant sulcata tortoise, appeared on a suburban Phoenix street one spring evening, catching the attention of surprised neighbors, including myself.

The commotion sparked by Rex’s unexpected arrival set the neighborhood in motion, leading a coordinated effort to find his owners. However, Rex’s appearance highlighted the challenges of owning a sulcata tortoise. Despite their popularity in the pet trade, owning one is no simple task.

‘So Damn Cute’

When sulcata tortoises hatch, they’re the size of golf balls, and their appeal is undeniable. Dan Marchand, founder of the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, explained that people often make impulsive decisions to take them home. Yet, these tortoises don’t stay small; they grow into the third-largest tortoise species, with some reaching 200 pounds and living up to 150 years. Rex himself is roughly two feet long.

While the U.S. banned their importation in the early 2000s, breeding continues to be legal, resulting in many being sold without adequate information on care. Proper care for a sulcata tortoise requires a large outdoor enclosure, clean water, and a warm, dry shelter during winter, as well as understanding their digging tendencies.

Unprepared Owners

Marchand noted that many people are unprepared for the responsibilities and challenges that come with owning a sulcata tortoise. His sanctuary is home to around 700 of these gentle giants, found wandering the streets, left behind, or surrendered by overwhelmed owners.

Teri Boyungs of Eclecteri Tortoise & Reptile Rescue in Casa Grande, Arizona, echoed this sentiment, taking in roughly 1,250 sulcatas annually. Due to Arizona’s climate, breeding is prolific, adding to the challenge for rescues with limited support.

Neighborhood Intervention

Fortunately for Rex, a community genuinely cared for his well-being. The Westfalls’ 5-year-old daughter spotted Rex, and the family quickly realized the large tortoise needed care. Neighbors gathered, curious and eager to help. Lettuce was offered, and social media was used to share his discovery and search for his owner.

Rex found temporary lodging with the Westfalls, who creatively cared for him by providing hay, a shallow pool, and other necessities. They posted signs reading “Large Tortoise Found,” and Rex eventually reunited with his owner five days later.

T. Rex’s True Home

Rex’s owner, Frank Boxberger, bought him 15 years ago in San Diego, drawn to their dinosaur-like appearance. Over the years, Rex became part of Boxberger’s family, playing roles in family events. However, due to Rex’s destructive habits, Boxberger considered rehoming him.

Garret Beshey, a plumber working at the house where Rex was temporarily staying, became his new owner. Beshey was inspired by the excessive breeding in the pet trade to offer a home to a tortoise that needed one, rather than purchase.

Beshey plans to accommodate Rex with a suitable setup in his backyard, taking leftover hay and the pool from the Westfalls. After freeing Rex from some bushes, Beshey loaded Rex into his truck, ready for a new chapter. As Rex departed, Westfall’s daughter waved goodbye, affectionately calling him “Chicken Nugget.”