Miley Cyrus Adopts 20-Year-Old Tortoise Teru From Los Angeles Shelter

A Star Aligns for Teru the Tortoise

Just days after receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Miley Cyrus made headlines again — this time for adopting a 20-year-old African spurred tortoise named Teru from a Los Angeles shelter. The "Flowers" singer shared adorable photos of her new shelled companion on Instagram, introducing fans to the gentle reptile who had been waiting in the shelter system for a forever home. The adoption comes at a time when shelters across Los Angeles face severe overcrowding, with one nonprofit recently pulling 29 dogs from a high-intake facility where many animals were at risk of euthanasia.

From Shelter Resident to Celebrity Companion

Teru is a Sulcata tortoise, also known as an African spurred tortoise, one of the largest mainland tortoise species in the world. These tortoises can live well beyond 50 years and often weigh over 100 pounds at full maturity. At 20 years old, Teru is still relatively young for the species and could potentially live for decades more under proper care. Cyrus discovered Teru through a Los Angeles-based nonprofit rescue organization that works to pull animals from overcrowded shelters. The singer described the meeting as a moment where "the stars aligned," noting that the connection was immediate and undeniable.

Key Facts About the Adoption

  • Miley Cyrus adopted Teru, a 20-year-old African spurred tortoise, from a Los Angeles shelter system
  • The adoption took place just two weeks after Cyrus received her Hollywood Walk of Fame star
  • Sulcata tortoises can live 50 to 100+ years, meaning Teru may be part of the Cyrus family for decades
  • The shelter nonprofit recently rescued 29 dogs from a high-intake facility facing severe overcrowding
  • Cyrus shared the first photos of Teru on Instagram, where she has over 418 million followers
  • The singer named the tortoise Teru and described the adoption as a fateful, star-aligned moment

Miley's Words on the New Addition

Cyrus took to Instagram to introduce Teru to her massive fanbase, posting heartwarming photos of the tortoise exploring its new environment. "Meet Teru," the singer wrote, expressing her joy at welcoming the unexpected new family member. The timing was notable — Cyrus had just celebrated one of the biggest honors in entertainment with her Walk of Fame ceremony, and within days she was already focused on giving a vulnerable animal a second chance. "The need continues to grow every day," the nonprofit that facilitated the adoption wrote, highlighting the ongoing crisis in Los Angeles animal shelters.

Why Animal Adoption Matters Everywhere

While this story unfolds in Hollywood, the message resonates far beyond Los Angeles — including here in Libya. Animal welfare is a growing concern across North Africa, where stray and abandoned animals often face harsh conditions with limited shelter resources. Cyrus's decision to adopt from a shelter rather than purchase a pet sends a powerful message about second chances and compassion. For Libyan animal advocates, this story serves as a reminder that adoption and rescue efforts can make a tangible difference, one animal at a time. Supporting local animal welfare initiatives, even in small ways, can help reduce suffering in communities everywhere.

A New Chapter for Teru and Miley

With a loving home secured and millions of fans already charmed by those first photos, Teru's future looks bright. The adoption shines a spotlight on shelter animals of all kinds — not just cats and dogs, but reptiles and other creatures who also deserve loving homes. Cyrus has long been known for her advocacy on social issues, and this latest act of compassion adds animal welfare to her growing legacy. For anyone considering adding a pet to their family, Teru's story is a powerful reminder: adoption changes lives — both the animal's and yours.