Two tortoises in Bethal finds new home at rehabilitation centre

BETHAL – Staff of Bethal SPCA found two tortoises in Hoëveld Avenue in Bethal on Wednesday, 21 November.

They stayed at the Bethal SPCA until the staff from Nature Conservation took them to a rehabilitation park in Bela Bela last week.

Ms Laurna Coetzer of Bethal SPCA said people target tortoises as pets, but they do not realise how these tortoises suffer when not in their natural habitat.

“It is against the law to keep tortoises as pets without permits,” said Ms Coetzer.

“Permits can be obtained from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.”

She said a local supermarket donated fruit and vegetables while the two tortoises stayed at Bethal SPCA.