This is a rare tortoise, seldom produced in captivity within the United States. At the same time, it is used heavily (illegally) in the Chinese food markets, and this use of wild tortoises for human consumption is putting a very heavy load on the natural poulations of the Elongated tortoise. These tortoises love rain and water, and it's a deep forest type that prefers a heavily planted enclosure. 

We keep our baby elongated tortoises outdoors when possible if the nighttime lows are above 60, and the daytime highs are below 90. Here in the desert, we “rain” on them daily to maintain high levels of humidity. They need access to shaded areas, as well as something safe to graze on while outdoors. Indoors, we keep babies in large plastic containers on a coconut coir substrate with plenty of hiding areas and cover. We soak them 3 times a week in ¼” of warm water for 30 minutes to allow them to get well hydrated, and we mist them heavily once or twice a day before feeding. This species is also more omnivorous than most tortoises, eating a diet of fruit, leafy greens, worms, slugs and occasional carrion (dead animals) in the wild. Mazuri tortoise diet is ideal for a tortoise like this. As babies, they need softer foods they can tear apart, or foods chopped small enough to swallow whole. They are also one of a few tortoise species that will eat earthworms or other small insects as a way to provide protein in its diet. Standing water is needed, and should be cleaned regularly as they like to soak (and defecate) in it. The substrate should be kept moist at all times to maintain high humidity levels.

Some amount of natural sunlight is best for tortoises of all ages, but if the tortoise is kept indoors, it needs to be supplied with a mild source of UV-B from its lighting (we like Reptisun 5.0 bulbs for this species). It should also have a low wattage spot bulb (or red bulb, preferably) that will allow the tortoise access to an area where it can reach a high temperature between 85 and 90 degrees if desired. This tortoise isn't too fond of intense lighting in captivity, so keep lights at moderate levels to encourage some daytime activity out of him.

This is a medium sized tortoise, with adults reaching about 12" long after many years. As with most species, we recommend that you have access to a decent sized yard where it can be maintained most or all of the year. In colder climates, you will need to have indoor accommodations since this is not a hibernating species. This tortoise appreciates high humidity and moderate to warm temperatures. It will thrive outdoors in the warmer states if plenty of cooler retreats are provided, and a high level of humidity can be maintained. Elongateds in colder climates will need indoor setups during the colder winter weather. With a small adult size, this isn't as hard to do as it would be with many other species. Adults of this species can handle lower and higher temperature extremes than babies.

Truly a joy in the tortoise world, care and maintenance should be taken very seriously to prevent losses of these amazing animals in captivity. They are not difficult to keep, but should not be neglected.