This week we are doing the last Pets at BGS interview with the longest serving animal in the school community, Samantha the tortoise! A regular visitor to BGS during the summer season, Samantha is adored by all the staff and students!

Although Samantha is currently hibernating, the Edit still had the opportunity to interview her current custodian, Mr Bowden (Head of Physics).

We hope you have enjoyed our Pets at BGS series. Remember to check out our pet gallery HERE. You can still send your pet photos to [email protected].

How old is Samantha? – I am not really sure; she came with records of her mass going to 1968 when she was 0.45kg. She is now about 3kg and is still growing a little each year.           

When did you become Samantha’s custodian? – About 30 years ago.

What type of tortoise is Samantha? – She is a spur thighed tortoise.

How long does Samantha hibernate for? – She hibernates from the end of October to the end of March.

Why do tortoises make a good family pet? – When Samantha emerges from hibernation it is like getting a new pet every year, also because tortoises live so long they will probably outlive their human minder so you don’t have the heartbreak when a much-loved pet passes on.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a pet owner? – Although Samantha is a quiet creature she has a great character and is surprisingly good company; it is all about having another heartbeat around the place.

What’s the naughtiest thing(s) Samantha has done? – Once when I was teaching in the Physics Lab with the door open she got bored of my lesson and decided to see what else was on offer. She was found walking along the top corridor towards Food and Nutrition!

Does Samantha get to join your Physics lessons? One of her skills is as a good invigilator during Physics tests as she can walk around the room without making much noise to keep an eye on things; she also attends Physics departmental meetings when she is in school.

Describe Samantha’s perfect day? In mid-summer she will get up early, lie in the sun to warm up and then graze around the garden in the morning before having a siesta.    

What’s Samantha’s favourite treats? Dandelion leaves.

What are Samantha’s key attributes?  Excellent camouflage, when she is not moving she looks like a rock.

When Samantha wakes up from hibernation, we will share photos of her…