When Savannah Antillon learned about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s tortoise rescue program, she didn’t hesitate — she knew she wanted to give one of these displaced creatures a loving home.
“Sonoran Desert tortoises are a protected species here,” Antillon explained. “Many lose their homes due to construction or are rescued from illegal captivity. Because they can carry diseases that threaten wild populations, they can’t be released — so the state places them with families who can care for them.”
Before she could adopt, Antillon had to design a tortoise-friendly backyard habitat and get it officially approved. Once everything was ready, she visited the department’s adoption center — and met Georgie.
“There were tortoises of all ages needing homes,” she said. “I chose Georgie because she’s 30 years old — the same age as me. Sonoran Desert tortoises can live to be 100, and I loved the idea of growing old with her.”
Despite all her research and preparations, Antillon quickly realized Georgie had some strong opinions — especially about food. Her habitat was stocked with native desert plants, but Georgie ignored them all in favor of munching on weeds.
“She may have developed her preferences from a poor diet in her previous home,” Antillon said.
To keep Georgie healthy, Antillon supplements her meals with kale, dandelion greens, and plenty of love — but Georgie still has a taste for weeds. So Antillon had a creative idea: she emailed her neighbors.
“If you’d like help getting rid of weeds in your yard,” the email read, “let me know — I can bring Georgie over to graze (she’s also very cute).”
The community loved the idea. Soon, bundles of weeds started appearing on porches, and Antillon began taking Georgie on walks to visit yards and snack on unwanted greens. The walks became a way to connect with neighbors — and it turns out Georgie has quite a pace.
“She’s much faster than people expect!” Antillon laughed.
During one outing, a neighbor offered Georgie a treat: prickly pear fruit. Georgie was instantly hooked.
“She went wild for it,” Antillon said. “It smeared all over her face — it looked like she was wearing red lipstick.”
Now, Georgie is a beloved local figure with a “weeding business” and a growing fanbase. What began as a rescue has turned into a joyful partnership — one that will last decades.
