About the African sulcata tortoise. Life span: 80 to 100 years, mature around the age of 15. Size at hatch: About 2 inches (5 centimeters); growth slows after 10 years.

An unidentified driver and Arizona Department of Public Safety Sgt. Steven Sekrecki hold a rescued a sulcata tortoise that was attempting to cross Interstate 10 near Picacho, Ariz., on July 30, 2024.

An unidentified driver and Arizona Department of Public Safety Sgt. Steven Sekrecki hold a rescued a sulcata tortoise that was attempting to cross Interstate 10 near Picacho, Ariz., on July 30, 2024.

An unidentified driver and Arizona Department of Public Safety Sgt. Steven Sekrecki hold a rescued a sulcata tortoise that was attempting to cross Interstate 10 near Picacho, Ariz., on July 30, 2024.

Krystle Gaiser can laugh about her trickster goats now, but Tuesday her escape-artist pets ‒ which are occasionally able to open their pen ‒ also freed the family's African sulcata tortoise ...

Krystle Gaiser can laugh about her trickster goats now, but Tuesday her escape-artist pets ‒ which are occasionally able to open their pen ‒ also freed the family's African sulcata tortoise ...