Miley Cyrus Adopts a 20 Year Old Tortoise From a Shelter and the Photos Will Melt Your Heart

When a global pop icon chooses to open her home to a shelter animal, something beautiful happens: millions of eyes turn toward adoption, and the ripple effect can be enormous. That is exactly what Miley Cyrus has done, and her newest family member is as unexpected as he is wonderful.

The Grammy winning singer recently welcomed Teru, a 20 year old Sulcata tortoise, into her life after connecting with Wags & Walks, a rescue shelter based in Los Angeles. According to Wags & Walks, the organization had never taken in a tortoise before, making Teru a true first for their team. When staff learned that Cyrus had been hoping to adopt a tortoise, they worked to bring the two together, and it turned out to be a perfect match.

Sulcata tortoises are remarkable creatures, and Teru’s story is a powerful reminder that animals of all kinds can end up in the shelter system through no fault of their own. These gentle giants can live for many decades, which means adopting one is a deeply meaningful, long term commitment. Cyrus welcomed that responsibility with open arms, sharing the news on her Instagram Stories with a simple, heartfelt message: “Welcome home Teru!”

The pets we choose to bring into our lives say a great deal about our values. Choosing to adopt rather than shop sends a message that every living being deserves a second chance, whether they are a puppy, a kitten, or a half century old tortoise finding his footing in a brand new home. Teru’s journey from the shelter system to a loving forever home is a story worth celebrating.

If Miley’s adoption inspires even a handful of people to look to shelters when considering a new companion, the impact will be felt far beyond one very lucky tortoise. Every animal waiting for a home deserves that same kind of happy ending.

Sign These Petitions! 

Please sign our latest and most urgent petitions to help the planet. Every signature counts!

• Petition: Amsterdam Bans Meat and Fossil Fuel Ads and the EU Should Follow
• Petition: The EU Must Ban This Carcinogenic Weedkiller Immediately
• Petition: Adult Woman Instructed Teenager to Kill Her Dog

Related Content:

• Satellites Are Now Tracking Animal Panic in Real Time and It Could Change Conservation Forever
• Hidden Animal Ingredients in Everyday Food: What Plant-Based Eaters Need to Know
• The Ridglan Beagle Rescue Is a Win, But the U.S. Still Spends Millions on Animal Testing