A Hermann’s tortoise believed to be more than 100 years old is back on the move after undergoing life-changing surgery at Hereford Vets for Pets. 

Trotter, who was alive before sliced bread, the television and the NHS, needed one of his front legs amputated after he was attacked by an unknown wild animal. 

His family believe Trotter was already a fully grown adult when he wandered into the garden of their family home in 1938, estimating he was between 15 and 20 years old at the time. That would make him well over 100 years old today.  

Over the course of his extraordinary life, Trotter has lived through World War Two, seen five monarchs sit on the throne and 24 Prime Ministers enter Number 10. While the world around him has changed, Trotter has remained a constant presence in the same family for over 80 years.  

His owner, Mrs Gillian Young, believes he may have originally escaped from a delivery boat passing through Bristol docks before making his way into her aunt's garden, where he began a remarkable journey through the generations of the same family. 

For years, Trotter has enjoyed an active outdoor life, however, when he was attacked by a wild animal and suffered a serious injury to one of his front legs, his family turned to veterinary experts for help. 

Trotter was referred from another practice to Hereford Vets for Pets, where, following investigation, the team realised the infection had progressed and amputation became the only realistic option to give him a chance of recovery. 

Dr Elliot Goodwin, Practice Owner and Veterinary Surgeon of Hereford Vets for Pets, said: “Trotter is an incredibly special patient, not just because of his age but because of how much he clearly means to his family. We knew surgery would be a big decision, especially for an older tortoise, and we could not be certain how he would adapt. His owners were determined to give him every chance and the care they provided at home made a huge difference to his recovery.” 

Mrs Gillian Young said: “Trotter has been part of our family for generations, so the thought of losing him was devastating. We knew the recovery would not be easy, but we wanted to do everything we could for him. Seeing him back outside, enjoying the sunshine and moving around again, means everything.” 

Trotter has now fully healed from his surgery and is enjoying his adapted garden run. Despite his age and losing a leg, Hereford Vets for Pets says its oldest registered patient is showing no sign of slowing down.