Tortoise that weighs 40kg is looking for new home

News imageStephen Huntley/BBC Thomas Griffiths, who is wearing a navy polo shirt and has brown hair, holding up the large tortoise Theo. The tortoise is eyeing up some cactus to eat.Stephen Huntley/BBC
Thomas Griffiths hopes a new owner will welcome Theo into their home

A teenage tortoise that weighs a mega 40kg (6st 4lb) is looking for a new home after outgrowing its owner.

Sixteen-year-old Theo was put on show at the Norfolk Tortoise Club's open day in Hethersett on Saturday.

The African spurred tortoise, which likes to hide under sheds, was last under the group's care 15 years ago, when it helped to rehome him.

"He's getting towards being a young adult, so in human years he's a similar sort of age," said animal welfare consultant Thomas Griffiths.

"Soon he'll start to realise that he likes girls."

News imageStephen Huntley/BBC Brown tortoise Theo eating a green cactus.Stephen Huntley/BBC
Theo's species is the largest in Africa

Visitors met with Theo and other tortoises available for adoption during the open day.

They were told he had grown too big for his previous owner, who had otherwise cared for him well.

African spurred tortoises, also known as sulcata, are the largest species of tortoise in Africa.

They typically reach up to 45kg in weight, although the largest on record was 83cm long (33in) and 105.5kg (16st 8lb).

Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below.

Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.