Miley Cyrus has recently expanded her family in an unexpected way, welcoming a 20-year-old African spurred tortoise named Teru into her home. The renowned singer and songwriter announced this delightful news on her Instagram account, revealing that Teru had been rescued from a shelter through the efforts of Wags and Walks, a nonprofit organisation primarily dedicated to rescuing dogs.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Miley-Cyrus-20-year-old-tortoise-052526-tout-eb9e8e36b73b4d549b7408d8593e9ae8.jpg)
On May 24, Cyrus shared a touching moment on her Instagram Stories, showing herself feeding Teru, who is known for his distinctive yellow bell pepper diet. “Welcome home, Teru,” wrote Cyrus, radiating joy over the new addition to her life. This adoption marks an unusual step for Wags and Walks, as the organisation typically focuses on canine rescues and had never before rescued a tortoise.
Wags and Walks took to social media to explain how this unique adoption came about. “You truly never know who you’ll find in a shelter 🤍,” they remarked. When they learned that Cyrus was interested in adopting a tortoise, the charity felt compelled to facilitate the match. With some coordination, the organisation was able to ensure that Teru found a loving home with the star.
While the rescue of a tortoise is rare, Wags and Walks highlighted that the situation reflects broader issues within the animal shelter system. The organisation noted that animals of all types, not just dogs, are increasingly finding themselves in overcrowded shelters, often facing dire circumstances. “As unexpected as this rescue was, it’s also a reminder of the reality shelters are facing right now,” stated Wags and Walks in their Instagram post.
Before joining Cyrus’ household, Teru was residing within the shelter system, a situation that is not typical for tortoises. This rescue serves as more than just a personal triumph for Cyrus but also sheds light on the pressing need for more safe havens for pets. Wags and Walks underscored their appreciation for the community’s support in allowing them to continue with their important rescue work: “We’re grateful to everyone who supports rescue, chooses adoption, and helps make more second chances possible.”
Interestingly, Cyrus’ adoption of Teru comes shortly after she achieved a significant milestone in her career. Just days prior to announcing her tortoise rescue, the musician was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Surrounded by family and loved ones, including her mother, Tish Cyrus, sister Brandi, and fiancé Maxx Morando, Cyrus delivered an emotional speech expressing her gratitude.
“Today is something I’ll never forget, and I’m always going to cherish,” she said, visibly moved. “Thank you for loving and supporting not only the choices that I make, but my fears, and then facing them with me.”
Miley has consistently showcased her love for animals and advocacy for animal welfare. The rescue of Teru serves to further highlight her commitment to giving homes to animals in need, extending her passion for pets beyond her usual area of focus.
Wags and Walks, having only recently pulled 29 dogs from a high-intake shelter at risk of euthanasia, continues to raise awareness about the overwhelming needs within animal shelters today. This recent outreach from Cyrus may inspire more individuals to consider adopting pets of various kinds, showcasing that love and companionship can come from diverse sources.
The story of Miley Cyrus and her new tortoise Teru underscores the importance of animal adoption and the pressing need for shelters to find placements for the many animals requiring homes. It is a heartening reminder that not all rescues fit the traditional mould, and it invites the public to look beyond conventional pets when considering adoption.