Miley Cyrus began her Memorial Day weekend with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but she ended it with something far more unexpected. The singer, who turned 33 this year, had a whirlwind Friday that included a star ceremony and a surprising addition to her household. Her miley cyrus new pet arrived shortly after the Hollywood honor, creating a memorable weekend for the pop star and her family.
A Star on the Walk of Fame
On May 22, Miley Cyrus received her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony took place on a Friday, kicking off the holiday weekend with a significant career honor. Her mother Tish, sister Brandi, fiancé Maxx Morando, designer Donatella Versace, and actress Anya Taylor-Joy all attended the celebration. It was a moment that recognized her decades-long impact on music and entertainment.
The star sits along Hollywood Boulevard, a permanent marker of her influence. For a performer who started on television and grew into a global pop star, this recognition capped years of artistic evolution. Friends and family gathered to witness the unveiling, making the event both professional and personal. Photographs from the day show Miley beaming alongside her support system.
An Unexpected Family Member Arrives
Just days after the Hollywood ceremony, Miley surprised fans by introducing her newest family member. She adopted a 20-year-old African spurred tortoise, also known as a Sulcata, named Teru. The adoption came through Wags and Walks, a nonprofit rescue organization that primarily serves dogs. The miley cyrus new pet quickly became a talking point across social media platforms.
Teru is no small creature. Sulcata tortoises are one of the largest tortoise species, capable of reaching weights over 100 pounds. At 20 years old, Teru is still relatively young for his kind, as these animals can live 70 years or more. Miley announced the adoption on Instagram with a simple but heartfelt message welcoming Teru home.
What drew Miley to a tortoise?
For someone who values longevity and stability, a tortoise makes an unusual but meaningful companion. Unlike dogs or cats, tortoises require specific environmental conditions, specialized diets, and long-term commitment. Miley had expressed interest in adopting a tortoise before Teru became available. This prior intention made the connection with Wags and Walks a natural fit.
A First for the Rescue Organization
Wags and Walks has built its reputation as a dedicated dog rescue, but Teru represented a completely new category for them. The organization had never rescued a tortoise before, making this adoption a landmark moment. Their team was surprised to encounter a Sulcata tortoise in the shelter system, an uncommon occurrence for reptile rescues. The decision to take him in expanded their mission beyond their usual scope.
The rescue shared the story on social media, noting that even their experienced team had never seen a tortoise in the shelter system. This rarity highlights how animal rescue work often requires adaptability. When an unusual animal shows up, organizations must decide quickly whether they can provide proper care. Wags and Walks rose to the occasion by finding a specialized adopter.
How do rescue organizations handle non-traditional animals?
Most shelters and rescues focus on dogs and cats because those animals make up the majority of surrendered pets. Reptiles, birds, and small mammals often end up with species-specific rescues or private rehoming networks. When a general rescue like Wags and Walks takes in a tortoise, they must quickly learn its care requirements. They also need to find an adopter who understands the animal’s specific needs, which is exactly what happened with Teru.
The Bigger Picture Behind the Adoption
Wags and Walks used Miley’s adoption to highlight a larger issue in animal rescue. Just two weeks prior to taking in Teru, the organization had pulled 29 dogs from a high-intake shelter facing severe overcrowding. This context underscores that animals of all kinds are entering shelters at alarming rates. The rescue emphasized that their work extends beyond any single species.
The organization stated that more pets than ever are in need of safe places to go. Overcrowding in shelters leads to difficult decisions, including euthanasia for healthy animals. By sharing Teru’s story alongside the statistic about the 29 dogs, Wags and Walks drew attention to the ongoing crisis. Miley’s involvement amplified this message to her millions of followers.
Why the miley cyrus new pet matters for rescue awareness
Celebrity adoptions often spark public interest in rescue and adoption. When a well-known figure like Miley Cyrus chooses to adopt rather than buy a pet, it normalizes the process for her fans. The fact that she adopted a tortoise from a dog rescue made the story even more newsworthy. This increased visibility can lead to more people considering adoption for their next pet.
From Hollywood Star to Tortoise Owner
The weekend showcased two very different sides of Miley Cyrus. One day she stood alongside Donatella Versace and Anya Taylor-Joy, accepting a permanent place on Hollywood Boulevard. The next, she welcomed a reptile into her home. This contrast reflects how celebrities can balance public accolades with personal, grounded choices. For fans, it humanizes a larger-than-life figure.
The juxtaposition of a Walk of Fame ceremony and a tortoise adoption might seem odd, but it makes perfect sense for someone like Miley. She has always embraced the unexpected, whether in her music, fashion, or personal life. Choosing a 20-year-old tortoise from a shelter aligns with her values of compassion and individuality. It shows that her priorities extend beyond fame and into meaningful action.
How a Tortoise Ends Up in a Shelter
Teru’s journey into the shelter system raises questions about exotic pet ownership. Sulcata tortoises can live up to 70 years or more, and their care requirements are significant. When owners cannot meet those needs, surrenders become common. Miley had been hoping to adopt a tortoise, which led Wags and Walks to connect with her when Teru arrived. This pairing highlights the importance of matching animals with prepared, committed owners.
Exotic pets often end up in shelters when their owners underestimate their needs. Tortoises require large enclosures, specific heating and lighting, and a diet of grasses and vegetables. Many people acquire them as small hatchlings without realizing how large and long-lived they become. Teru’s presence in the shelter system reflects this common pattern of surrender.
What to know before adopting a tortoise
If you are considering adopting a tortoise, research is essential. Sulcata tortoises need outdoor space with proper fencing, a heated indoor area for cold weather, and a diet high in fiber. They can live for decades, so adopting one means planning for a lifelong commitment. Veterinary care for reptiles is also specialized and can be expensive.
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Before adopting, visit a reptile rescue or speak with an experienced tortoise owner. Understand the time, space, and financial resources required. Miley likely had the means and knowledge to provide for Teru, but the average owner should prepare thoroughly. Exotic pet ownership is rewarding but demands serious responsibility.
Shelter Diversity and Expanding Missions
When a dog rescue takes in a tortoise, it signals a shift in how shelters approach animal welfare. Most rescue organizations specialize, but the reality is that all types of animals end up needing help. Wags and Walks demonstrated flexibility by accepting Teru despite their canine focus. This approach could inspire other rescues to broaden their intake policies when resources allow.
The organization’s willingness to help a tortoise shows that animal rescue is not limited by species. Every animal deserves a safe place and a second chance. By sharing Teru’s story, Wags and Walks encouraged other rescues to consider unusual cases. It also reminded the public that shelter overcrowding affects many kinds of animals, not just dogs and cats.
A Pet That Represents Longevity
Choosing a tortoise as a companion carries symbolic weight. These animals can outlive their owners, representing a decades-long commitment. For Miley, adopting a 20-year-old tortoise at this stage of her career may reflect a desire for stability and permanence. Her mother Tish quickly embraced the new family member, commenting on the adoption post with enthusiasm. The family’s support suggests Teru is already settling in well.
Tish Cyrus wrote, “We absolutely love Teru!!!!” on the adoption announcement, signaling that the tortoise has become part of the extended family. This kind of family involvement is important for exotic pets, which often require care from multiple household members. Teru now has a network of people looking out for his wellbeing.
Social Media Brings Pets and People Together
Miley’s adoption story spread rapidly through Instagram, where Wags and Walks shared the details. The organization noted that connecting with Miley happened because she expressed interest in adopting a tortoise. Fans responded warmly, with one calling the singer a “living legend” for using her platform to highlight shelter overcrowding. Social media proved essential in matching Teru with a prepared owner who could provide a lifelong home.
The post from Wags and Walks explained that Teru found his forever home with Miley, and the organization used the opportunity to educate the public. They reminded followers that shelters everywhere are facing overcrowding and that animals of all kinds need safe places. Miley’s participation brought significant attention to this message, reaching an audience far beyond typical rescue networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tortoise did Miley Cyrus adopt?
Miley adopted a 20-year-old African spurred tortoise, also known as a Sulcata. This species is one of the largest tortoises in the world, capable of living 70 years or more. Sulcatas require significant space, a warm climate, and a diet of grasses and vegetables. They are a popular exotic pet but are often surrendered when owners cannot meet their long-term needs.
How did Wags and Walks connect Miley Cyrus with Teru the tortoise?
Miley had expressed interest in adopting a tortoise before Teru became available at Wags and Walks. When the rescue organization received Teru, they reached out to Miley through her representatives because they knew she was looking for a tortoise. The timing worked perfectly, and Teru was placed in a home ready to meet his specific care requirements.
Does Miley Cyrus’s adoption of a tortoise actually help animal rescue efforts?
Yes, celebrity adoptions can significantly boost awareness and support for animal rescue organizations. Miley’s involvement with Wags and Walks brought attention to shelter overcrowding and the diversity of animals needing homes. Her millions of followers saw the story, which may encourage more people to adopt rather than shop for pets. It also highlights the work of rescues that handle non-traditional animals.
Miley Cyrus turned a milestone weekend into an opportunity to make a difference for one animal and raise awareness for many others. Her adoption of Teru reminds us that rescue work extends beyond dogs and cats and that every animal deserves a second chance. Whether you are a celebrity or an everyday pet owner, choosing adoption sends a powerful message about compassion and commitment.
