Was  in my local pet shop the other day and decided to check out his torts. Whilst in the shop I saw a family talking about buying a tort for their 7yr old son, who really didn't seem that bothered whether he got a tort or  a bearded dragon. It just struck me as being  totally ridiculous buying a 7 yr old a pet that was going to be around for the next 60 yrs. Ok buying a tort as a family pet is one thing but buying one for a child who wasn't really that bothered just seemed so irresponsible, unless the parents were planning on taking over its care when the child got bored.

Hi Sandra
Unfortunately that seems to be the attitude to most pets, it is not thought through about how long they live and who will take responsibility for their care, very sad, that is where trying to educate children via schools and TV programmes are invaluable to the animal kindom.
Jane

i know

there are so many clueless parents who have had pets when they were young that lived a few years but arent prepared for a fifty year old tort

People think pets are disposable. Torts are definitely not disposable as your right in saying they can live for 50+ yrs, they are a big commitment.