Deformed Tortoise Helix Becomes Inspiration Story On Social Media

Helix, the adorable turtle, has taken the internet by storm after getting a new life on wheels. The small tortoise became a social media phenomenon and currently has 60,000 followers on Instagram since he hatched in July.

The tortoise was born with a spinal deformity that made his back legs point up in the air, meaning he is not able to use them for walking.

His owner, Randy Betz JR, glued a small set of wheels from a fingerboard to his shell, so he had mobility. He claimed he replaces the wheels once a week.

Helix was not initially expected to survive the disability, but his owner did not give up on him. According to Betz, the tortoise caught on very fast to moving around and using the training wheels.

He replaces the wheels regularly because Helix grows at a rapid pace, so he needs larger and more comfortable wheels every so often.

Apparently, Helix has a range of wheels it can choose from, and the owner attaches them using adhesive glue dots.

During his excursions, Helix's owner lets him get sunlight for some time, and then he gets a new set of wheels.

Betz claimed Helix goes outside often to get sunlight, which is very healthy for the small reptile. He requires proper UVB so he can develop well.

His condition has come with certain hindrances, of course. For example, Betz can not have a water bowl within the enclosure because the tortoise is not able to get in it. He is also afraid the tortoise may drown should it happen to get in it.

Instead, the owner has resorted to soaking Helix regularly because baby tortoises are very susceptible to dying from dehydration.

Betz manages a company known as Tortstork, which assists people to hatch their own tortoises. This was a childhood dream of his, and he has made the same happen for others.

Helix has been a source of inspiration for people in social media, which is evident by the number of followers and page activity he enjoys.

Tortoises, born with his challenges, have a zero chance of survival in the wild, and the fact that he has thrived after homemade solutions were applied is encouraging.

Randall implied the same sentiments saying Helix can offer inspiration to people and gets sent drawings of his pet by both children and adults. He compared the baby tortoise to life, saying there is nothing wrong, but there are several hidden struggles that people go through.