When you get a pet cat or dog, you always have to spend some time teaching them their name.
Eventually, the animal will learn the unique sounds that make up their name, and they’ll start responding to it. Or, in a cat’s case, they’ll respond when they feel like it!
But it turns out, it’s not just cats and dogs that can learn their names. A tortoise can too!
A couple proved this to be true when they taught their tortoise her name.
While outside in their backyard, the couple saw their pet tortoise, Taco, was in her burrow. Curious, they decided to try calling her name to see if she would respond.
And she did. As soon as she heard her name, she appeared.
YouTube planetXplorer, who uploaded the video, writes, “We were in total disbelief, but the tortoise has done this several days in a row, and now we have video to prove it! Our itty bitty tortoise is incredible.”
At first, the couple thought it was mere coincidence, so they tried calling her name a few times. Each time, the tortoise responded to their voices.
What a smart little animal!
The first video of Taco was posted in 2010, and it quickly went viral.
Many people wanted to learn more about Taco, and so her owners continued sharing videos about her life. Taco is still doing very well, and she loves her burrow and her humans. In September 2021, the couple celebrated Taco’s gotcha day by giving her some tasty leaves.
After watching this video, you’ll probably have one question: can tortoises really learn their name?
According to an article by Tortoise Owner, they can! The website says:
“Tortoises can learn their names. In fact, this is less a trick and more just a way to bond with your reptile friend. Usually, if a tortoise is interested in bonding with you, it will learn its name within a few months of bringing her home.
You can help the process along by offering a special treat once or twice a day while softly saying her name. If your tortoise likes to be patted, scratched, or stroked, use this in place of treats and repeat her name over and over while you do so.”
Many YouTube commenters absolutely loved the video of little Taco.
One commenter wrote:
🐢: “WHY YOU SUMMON ME HOOMAN ”
Another hilariously said:
” Taco, are you coming out ? ” Give me time woman, I’m a turtle !”
Taco is a smart little girl who clearly loves hanging out with her human family.
Check out the video of baby Taco below!
Please SHARE this awesome video with your friends and family.
Source: planetXplorer, Tortoise Owner
