Pacific Palisades celebrity tortoise Tiptoe among fire evacuees: NPR
The turtle is seen standing on tiptoes wearing a sweatshirt on his back.
Caitlin Dolan
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Caitlin Dolan
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Dark gray smoke billowed into the sky behind him as Tipto, the African sulcata tortoise, crunched on the green grass beneath his feet. With flames clearly visible in the street and cars speeding by, Tiptoe's owner, Caitlin Dolan, realized it was time to leave.
That Tuesday, wildfires tore through homes in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Tipto's doorstep, forcing Dolan and her extended family to flee with the 175-pound reptile. They covered him with a blanket and fed him green peppers to make him feel comfortable.
Tiptoe has been a favorite sight in Pacific Palisades for years, walking quietly along the sidewalk with Dolan or her mother, sometimes spending time eating roses (his favorite). He made appearances at festivals and kindergartens, and Dolan planned for him to hang out at retirement communities.
“People would grow vegetables for him. They grew flowers for him. When their grandchildren came to town, they would come over and see Tipto,” Dolan said in an interview with NPR on Monday.
He has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on his social media accounts. In the post, he is seen munching on grass and vegetables, staring thoughtfully out of a car window, and wearing a small hat.
He was a Christmas present from Dolan when she was seven. At that time, he was only the size of a credit card. Since then, he has lived in the backyard of Dolan's childhood home in Pacific Palisades. But that house, and the cabin Dolan and her family built for Tipto late last year, are now gone. Tipto is now at Dolan's home in Marina del Rey.
“He's handling it really well. Like I said, we're in the front yard now. He's splayed out… taking in the vitamin D,” she said.
Getting him out was no easy task. The tiptoe is the sulcata tortoise, the largest tortoise in the world. The species is second only in size to two species of island tortoises, one of which Charles Darwin rode while in the Galapagos Islands. But Dolan had help. She lured him out of his cabin with green peppers and helped push him into the back of an SUV.
Many of Dolan's family and friends also lost their homes to the fire. Her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts huddled together, trying to figure out next steps, insurance forms and how to rebuild. One thing they didn't have to worry about was Tipto's cabin. Dolan said her landlord and others helped build a brand new building for Tipto in two days.
Dolan, meanwhile, takes it all in stride and says people can learn a lot from Tipto.
Caitlin Doran hangs out with Tiptoe the turtle at his former home in Pacific Palisades, California.
Caitlin Dolan
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Caitlin Dolan
“He's really a big part of the community and I feel like he's a good representation of what it's going to be like in the years to come. Just slow, steady and a happy attitude,” she said. “Tipto had everything he needed on his back, including his home. For many of us in the Palisades, it's like we're rocking the same boat.”
How to Help and Stay Safe Resources to help stay safe:
➡️ As fire danger remains high, authorities implore you to comply with evacuation orders
➡️ What to do and what not to do after returning home after a fire evacuation
➡️ Do you have cigarettes at home? Here's How to Make an Air Purifier from a Box Fan
➡️Trying to stay safe during a wildfire? There's an app that can help
Supported response and recovery methods:
➡️ Want to help fire victims? Here's what experts say is the most beneficial place and where to find volunteers
➡️ Wildfire Donation and Volunteering: How and Where to Help
➡️ Share: These are the steps fire victims need to take to file an insurance claim
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