Tortoise Tales

Tortoises have become an unexpected part of my househould. Browsing a reptile convention in college, I didnt know that a tortoise breeder would convince me to take one home that same day. Soon enough, that friend turned into three. Now I own a redfoot, a sulcata, and a russian tortoise. Together, they are deemed: "The High Council of the Tortoise." I usually picture them in long black robes with the wisdom of many ages, talking about the future of humanity in a dimly lit temple. Scary. Yet, in reality, they sit in the corner with a grouchy stare waiting to be fed.

Even if they dont seem alarming, this made me wonder if tortoises were more intelligent than they appeared.

Do they hold emotional intelligence? Is there anything below the surface?

With some intense googling, my conclusion is...yes!

Though my tortoises can't solve my math equations, or write out a long winded paper for me, they have their own incredible abilities. One day, I had read a few research articles from the Univeristy of Vienna. Their work showed promising results in a redfoot's ability to use a touch screen tablet! Much to my disbelief, researchers used a Pavlov behavioral technique to train its responses. That way, the tortoise was able to touch the tablet when they were in need of food. It knew exactly where to press, and when it should react a certain way. To my amazement, the tortoise showed a much faster response time when compared to the test results of pigeons and rats. They were even able to solve mazes better than other mammals. Hearing about this was incredible to me, as I didnt think my wrinkled companions were able to do much more than the usual lazy munch at dinnertime.

Even more astounding than their tablet comprehension was the research I uncovered about the emotional capacities of tortoises. Just like humans, they can feel anxious, sad, happy, angry, and even bullied by others. At this part of my research, I let out a disheartening sigh. I didnt want my beloved pets to feel all these negative emotions just like I do. Secretely, I hoped that this would not happen often (if at all).

Tortoises are able to form emotions from environmental triggers, and this was knowledge I had developed experience in witnessing. For instance, I would note a sign of emotional intelligence when even tortoises recognize their owners. This recognition occured in my own pets as a visible awareness that could be seen in their physical movements. A tort may look up, stare at you, and come directly over to where you are sitting if they feel comfortable around you. However, if they are feeling stressed by competition over food, they may hide more or not be willing to accept a meal.

I can't imagine what their dreams or complicated inner thoughts could be, and it leaves me even more curious by the day. Thankfully, I do know that they feel very content when a giant piece of swiss chard lands on their plates and there isnt anyone else in sight to nab it.

Although my tortoises wont be able to rule the world one day, I hope that they can at least learn to text me back in the next 50 years or so!