Species: Syrian
Gender: Female
DOB: June 2024
Likes: Running on the wheel when it's dark, corn, pine nuts, walnuts, Fatpouches' peanuts in shell, sunflower heads, flax sprays, Gerber apple stars, naibai, salad mix (kale, arugula and lettuce)
Dislikes: Sudden movements and noises, being grabbed
Fosterer’s Instagram: @littlemisstortoise
Requirements:
Cage: Unbarred acrylic cage (min. 100cm x 50cm x 50cm)
Wheel: Wheel to have ridges (size as per HSS’ minimum requirements)
Bedding: Fatpouches' tea bag bedding
Sand: Witte Molen sand
Food: Fatpouches' ultimate/delight mix (Syrians) + a source of protein (e.g. tofu, chicken, etc.) + Fresh/freeze-dried veggies (fresh veggies to be given in moderation)
Enrichment: Hideouts as per HSS’ minimum requirements + At least one from each category: a) Sprays, b) Substrates/forage + Free roam in a playpen
Zuzu had a rough start in life and was extremely skinny when she first met her fosterer. She looked like a very tiny sausage, but she has since grown to become rounder! Filled with life and energy, Zuzu loves running on the wheel during the wee hours when it's dark. She also has a nightly routine of working out, where she'll hang onto the enclosure's ventilation holes and practice her pull-ups — all in a bid to escape. As such, Zuzu will not be suited for barred cages, and a cage lid is needed to ensure her safety.
From her attempts to escape, it can be seen that she's a small girl with big brains. It would be good to provide her with enrichment, sprays, and boredom breakers that can mentally stimulate her! As Zuzu is still learning to trust hoomans, she'll need an adopter that can give her the time, patience, and space she needs. A good way to bond with her would be to offer her food in exchange for some gentle strokes! :) Zuzu is also very responsive to sounds and her surroundings, so you can try to play music, or pat her bedding to produce sounds that will bring her out of her hideout.
Note: As Zuzu has a tendency to jump out of hands, she will not be suitable for young children. Zuzu is also a very fast runner, and since her build is on the smaller end, it can be tough to grab her when she's in action. Hence, her free roams should be conducted with the use of a playpen.
