Texas mom buys a pet for her girls. 18 years later, here’s why Tank the sulcata tortoise is the ‘worst decision I ever made’

When picking out a first pet for a child, most parents go with a few options: a betta fish that tragically passes early, a hamster or gerbil, or, less frequently, a reptile. But new pet owners should be careful regarding what pet they choose—lest they get stuck with it years later.

A Texas mom who goes by Living Life With Hunny on TikTok (@livinglifewithhunny) is telling her audience that purchasing a tortoise for her two daughters was the “worst decision of her life.” The reason why? According to her, the tortoise, which is lovingly named Tank, “destroys everything.”

As of this writing, Living Life With Hunny's post about Tank has received more than 8.5 million views.

What Is a Sulcata Tortoise?

When Living Life With Hunny first purchased Tank for her two daughters, she seemingly did not know how large the tortoise would get—or how difficult it would be to take care of.

Sulcata tortoises, otherwise known as “African spurred tortoises,” are the third-largest tortoise species in the world. Online, they're known as one of the “hardest” tortoises to take care of due to their size and climate needs.

The World Wildlife Fund states that “African sulcata tortoise diet and habitat needs are hard to provide in captivity. Proper temperature options (not below 60 degrees F and ideally 80-90 degrees F), humidity levels, and exposure to UV light consistent with a day-night cycle are important for good health.” Additionally, they can cause destruction outside, as they have a natural “digging” instinct, according to ReptiChip.

Along with their impressive size, sulcata tortoises have a remarkable lifespan. The World Wildlife Fund adds that sulcata tortoises can easily “outlive their owner.” That makes them one of a few pets that are a true, lifelong commitment.

‘He's a Jerk'

Living Life With Hunny didn't necessarily know all of that information prior to purchasing Tank.

Eighteen years later, she says the decision to get a tortoise has haunted her.

“Tank right now is 72 pounds. Usually he comes and chases my toes. He destroys everything. Like, everything,” she said. “He has pooped … And then he—then he rolls in it. So, I … don't want anybody ever to be like, ‘Oh, look at that turtle. I wish I could have one.' ‘Cause no, you don't.”

In her video, she captured Tank hissing at her, which she commented on.

“You hear him hissing at me? Because he's a jerk, and people are like, ‘Oh, no, he's not. He's a tortoise. He's great,'” she said. “No, he's not. He's a jerk, guys. Hands down. Aren't you, buddy?”

She also clarified that she has no intention of abandoning Tank, as her daughters love the tortoise. But she told others not to make the same mistake she did.

‘I'm Getting a Tortoise as My Inheritance'

In the comment section, viewers told Living Life With Hunny that she'd likely own Tank for the rest of her life. They recommended that the content creator include the tortoise in her will.

“He's like shut up I'm gonna outlive you,” a commenter said.

Another commenter said, “He will be your [great-great-grandchildren's] pet.”

A third commenter shared their own story.

“We have one,” they said. “My [great-grandpa] gave him to my Grandma for her 12th birthday…and he was a few years old then. Our vet estimates he's about 112 years old…and has been passed down through four generations of our family. He's a big jerk too, but we love him.”

Commenters who own their own sulcata tortoises said they loved their pets. But they told others not to purchase one to avoid creating a living family heirloom.

Subplot News reached out to Living Life With Hunny via TikTok direct message for comment. We will update this story if she responds.

@livinglifewithhunny The worst decision I have made to date…no romanticizing here folks! He poops on the concrete, rearrangea my patio furniture, he eats all my flowers and digs so far we have had to get a tractor to dig him out one time before it got cold … #sulcata #sulcatatortoise #africanspurredtortoise #turtle #tortoise ♬ original sound – livinglifewithhunny

The post Texas mom buys a pet for her girls. 18 years later, here's why Tank the sulcata tortoise is the ‘worst decision I ever made' appeared first on Subplot News.