The good news is there is a great alternative to imported tortoises. There are now many experienced and successful UK captive tortoise breeders of many different species. Even better, they are often the same price, if not cheaper, than imported tortoises. Advice will always be on hand and you will know what kind of life your tortoise has had before you received it. Plus you will know the exact age and you will probably be able to see siblings and parents too. Health-wise, an imported tortoise is more likely to have pre-existing hidden health problems and mortality rates are way higher in imports. The Tortoise Protection Group can provide you with an extensive list of breeders. Just click on their link below. http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/1.asp 

 

 

 

There are also many tortoises in need of rehoming through the Tortoise Trust.