From 5cm To Freedom

Posted on Thu February 26, 2026.

Meet one of our smallest recent rescues, an Angulate Tortoise hatchling measuring just 5 centimetres in length. At the time of arrival, he was estimated to be around one week old. He was found near a residential area and brought to Cango Wildlife by a concerned member of the public.

At this early stage, the signs of recent hatching were still visible. The egg tooth remained on the tip of the beak. The yolk sac was partially present beneath the abdomen. Hatchlings depend on nutrients stored in the yolk sac during their first days. Immediate release is not always appropriate.

Our team placed him in a temperature controlled enclosure and monitored his progress daily. We ensured the yolk sac absorbed fully. We checked for infection.

We observed mobility and responsiveness. Only once the yolk sac had completely retracted and strength improved did we move to the next milestone. Could he forage independently.

Would he respond naturally to his environment. After completing health checks and confirming readiness, he was released onto our private reserve within suitable habitat.

Watching him disappear into the Spekboom thicket was a quiet moment of purpose.

Rescue is only the beginning. Release is always the goal. Even a life that begins at 5 centimetres holds ecological weight.

Each individual contributes to the system. Protecting that balance remains our responsibility with every rescue.

 

 

Further Reading

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