I think the reason why Pee Wee, a Herman’s tortoise survived the full effects of a recycling plant is because of his shell (details below). Such a great form of protection. It is remarkable how he survived.
Pee Wee arrived at Mid-UK Recycling Centre in the back of a 22-tonne lorry among piles of smelly waste. And we know these lorries have a kind of compactor at the back so he survived that for a start. He was then scooped up with all the other waste into a digger before ending up on a conveyor belt.
He then went through a vibrating machine which separates cardboard and paper. He then went through a glass crushing machine and survived that as well.
He was eventually found covered in blood among the plastic-strewn picking line
by a worker there, Paul Frost, 41. He told the BBC: “The stuff it’s gone through to finding it on the line I’m surprised it alive still.”
From the waste plant Pee Wee was taken to Kirks Vets in Sleaford where he was named Pee Wee. After the comedy character Pee Wee Herman.
The practice manager there, Sara Marchant, 55, described Pee Wee as a “very, very lucky tortoise”. Amusingly she said that, “He’s literally gone through the ringer.”
He had suffered some shell damage but other than that he “appears to be fit, well and healthy”, according to Sara Marchant.
He’s microchipped but it is not registered to a specific location and therefore potential owners who are calling in are being asked for the microchip number or recent pictures of the tortoise to compare.
Comment: the newspaper that I’m reading does not speculate (I guess it wouldn’t) as to how Pee Wee ended up in the waste. He must have been in a waste bin at his owners address. Why was he in that waste bin? Perhaps he was rummaging around for some food. Or perhaps, and I’m being very speculative and a bit cynical here, he was thrown away!
Some info about the tortoise’s shell:
The tortoise’s protective shell, called the carapace on top and plastron on the bottom, is a unique structure that is essential for its defense, support, and survival. Here’s a closer look at how this amazing shell works:
Structure and Anatomy
- Bone Composition:
- The tortoise shell is made of about 50-60 fused bones, primarily from the ribcage and spine, forming a solid structure. The ribs, vertebrae, and parts of the pelvis are fused to the shell, making it an integral part of the tortoise’s body rather than a removable “armor.”
- Carapace and Plastron:
- The upper part of the shell, called the carapace, covers the tortoise’s back. It’s typically domed, which provides protection from predators by making it harder for them to get a grip.
- The bottom part, known as the plastron, protects the tortoise’s underside. The two are connected by a bridge on either side of the tortoise’s body.
- Scutes:
- Covering the bony shell are hard, plate-like structures called scutes, made of keratin (the same material as human fingernails). These scutes protect the bones of the shell and provide an additional layer of defense.
- Scutes also help in camouflaging the tortoise, as they come in colors and patterns that blend with its surroundings. Some tortoises can even “regrow” damaged scutes over time.
Functions and Benefits
- Protection:
- The shell acts as a shield against predators and environmental dangers. Its thickness, dome shape, and strength make it challenging for predators to bite through or crush it.
- Camouflage:
- The colors and patterns on the shell help tortoises blend into their surroundings, which reduces the risk of being spotted by predators.
- Thermal Regulation:
- The shell helps tortoises manage body temperature. By absorbing heat from the sun, it assists them in staying warm, which is crucial for these cold-blooded reptiles.
- Structural Support:
- Because the shell is connected to the tortoise’s bones, it provides essential structural support, anchoring muscles and protecting internal organs.
Sensitivity and Growth
- Sensitivity: While the shell may seem like an armored tank, it has nerve endings, meaning tortoises can feel touch, pressure, and pain. This sensitivity allows them to be aware of their surroundings and feel if something is damaging their shell.
- Growth: Tortoises are born with soft shells that harden over time. As they grow, the shell grows with them. The growth rings on scutes can give clues to a tortoise’s age, although they aren’t always accurate due to environmental factors.
Shell Damage and Healing
- Despite being tough, a tortoise’s shell can be damaged by predators, accidents, or environmental factors. When injured, a tortoise’s shell can heal to an extent, similar to bone healing in other animals. Minor cracks may be repaired naturally over time, but severe injuries might require intervention, like bonding or covering damaged areas, to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.
In sum, the tortoise shell is a highly specialized and integral part of its body that functions as armor, a support structure, and a means of survival adaptation.
