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John the Desert Tortoise

A tortoise is crossing a speckled floor indoors.
Educator showing an animal to an audience of children and adults during a presentation.
A close-up of a tortoise looking to the side with its textured shell and scaly skin visible.
A tortoise walking on grass in a sunny outdoor setting.
A tortoise moving through grass and dry vegetation outdoors.
A tortoise is crossing a speckled floor indoors.
Educator showing an animal to an audience of children and adults during a presentation.
A close-up of a tortoise looking to the side with its textured shell and scaly skin visible.
A tortoise walking on grass in a sunny outdoor setting.
A tortoise moving through grass and dry vegetation outdoors.

Mojave Desert Tortoise

(Gopherus agassizii)

About John

Did you know that the Mojave desert tortoise is California’s official State Reptile? John has been a beloved resident of the Chico Creek Nature Center since around 2002, after he was found wandering outside. Because these tortoises aren’t native to Chico and are often kept as pets, he was given a forever home at the Nature Center. Named after Chico’s founding father, John Bidwell, he is our oldest Animal Ambassador—estimated to be around 75–80 years old!

A tortoise moving through grass and dry vegetation outdoors.
John enjoying a light snack outside the Nature Center

Habitat

Mojave desert tortoises are built for life in some of the driest places in North America! They can be found in the southwestern United States (western Arizona, southeastern California, southern Nevada, and southwestern Utah) and parts of northwestern Mexico. These hardy reptiles dig deep burrows in sandy or rocky soil to escape extreme desert temperatures, spending up to 95% of their lives underground! Their burrows also provide shelter for other desert creatures like lizards, snakes, and even small mammals.

A tortoise is eating a yellow flower placed on a wooden board.
John enjoying some dandelion blossoms during Meet Our Animals

Diet

As an herbivore, John enjoys a menu full of leafy greens, wildflowers, and vegetables. He especially loves mung beans and never says no to a special treat of chopped red bell peppers! In the spring, under careful supervision, he gets to munch on clovers outside the Nature Center. In the wild, desert tortoises are survival experts, getting most of their water from moisture-rich plants like cacti and grasses.

A close-up of a tortoise looking to the side with its textured shell and scaly skin visible.
John ready for his close-up

Fun Facts

A tortoise shell is more than just protection—it’s part of their skeleton! Unlike a hermit crab, a tortoise can’t swap out its shell because it’s fused to its spine and ribcage. That means John will be carrying his “home” with him for life!

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