Franklin the Tortoise Moves Out of Refrigerator After Chilling Since October
Franklin the tortoise is finally waking up after a long hibernation in a fridge since October, ready for a new indoor habitat
Franklin, Tortoise, Kamloops, British Columbia, Brumation, Wildlife
Kamloops: Big news for Franklin the tortoise! He’s finally coming out of his long nap after spending 15 weeks in a fridge. Can you believe it?
Franklin was rescued from Shuswap Lake in British Columbia last year. Since October 1, he’s been chilling in a refrigerator at the BC Wildlife Park, keeping cozy at 6 degrees Celsius.
Tracy Reynolds, the park’s animal care manager, says marginated tortoises like Franklin prefer warm, dry climates. The harsh winter in B.C. isn’t ideal for him to be outside.
But today’s the day! Franklin is moving into a new indoor habitat where he’ll meet his neighbor, Mortimer, a red-footed tortoise.
Reynolds thinks Franklin was likely abandoned by a previous owner. He was in rough shape when he first arrived but has been getting stronger and more lively.
Brumation is a natural thing for cold-blooded animals like tortoises. They don’t completely shut down but slow down a lot to save energy during the cold months.
Once Franklin warms up, he’ll be back to his active self in no time. It’s exciting to see his personality shining through as he gets healthier.
Both Franklin and Mortimer were once pets, but their owners probably didn’t realize how long of a commitment tortoises can be. Some can live for a century!
Reynolds reminds everyone to do their homework before getting a pet. Owning a tortoise isn’t just a short-term thing; it could be a lifelong commitment!
This story was first shared by The Canadian Press on November 14, 2025.