Being in the bush teaches you a lot of lessons. And the animals (being much wiser than their human counterparts) often impart the most valuable ones of all.

On a recent tour one of my guests was particularly taken with our leopard tortoises, Skillie and Doppie.

She told me a touching story.

She said every time one of her children ‘flies the nest’ she buys them a tortoise magnet or toy.

Her reasoning is simple, “You won’t get anywhere in life if you don’t stick your head and legs out!”

By Erika Dirksen - Field Guide at HESC