tortoise | pen & ink

In the African bush, tortoises live a slow, steady life, moving between patches of grass, shrubs, and fallen fruit as they forage. They are remarkably resilient creatures, adapted to survive long dry seasons when water is scarce. One of their most important survival tools is their bladder — a natural reservoir that can store water for extended periods, allowing them to endure drought and extreme heat. Because of this, a startled tortoise that releases its stored water in defence can actually put itself at risk if the dry season is still ahead. When the first spring rains arrive, everything changes. Moisture softens the vegetation, new green growth appears overnight, and tortoises become noticeably more active. They walk greater distances in search of fresh grazing and mates, often emerging from hiding places where they’ve conserved energy through the dry months. Their movements after rain are deliberate and purposeful, guided by scent and instinct — a quiet but essential rhythm within the bushveld ecosystem.