200-Pound Tortoise Reunited With Family After Eaton Wildfire Evacuation

One of the first animals rescued during the Eaton wildfire, a 28-year-old tortoise named Huckleberry, has been reunited with his family after being temporarily housed at Pasadena Humane. The 200-pound reptile represents one of more than 500 animals the organization has helped since the wildfires began, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“We were happy to give this tortoise a safe place to stay,” Pasadena Rescue wrote in the video. “And even happier to see him go home!”

The rescue began when a Pasadena Humane Animal Control Officer helped Huckleberry’s family with evacuating him from their Pasadena home. Given the tortoise’s size and weight, the evacuation proved challenging but successful.

Beyond evacuated pets, the organization continues to take in stray animals and work to reunite displaced pets with their owners. They maintain a found pets database and have partnered with Petco for the Petco Love Lost project, where pet owners can post photos of missing animals.

To support affected community members, Pasadena Humane currently offers free pet food and supplies daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The organization seeks donations to help cover boarding costs and supplies for their many new residents.

Public response to Huckleberry’s story has been overwhelmingly positive.

Commenters praised the organization, with one noting they were “Caring for creatures great and small.” Another wrote, “Thank you for the amazing work. Everyone there is a true HERO,” while a third added, “Yay Huckleberry! Thank you for helping this kind soul.”

Those wishing to help can make donations through the organization’s website or help spread awareness about their work and found pets database. For more visit https://pasadenahumane.org/