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Miley Cyrus has introduced an unexpected new member to her family after adopting a 20-year-old African spurred tortoise named Teru.
The singer shared the news on May 24, revealing that she had rescued the large tortoise through the help of Wags and Walks, a nonprofit known for rescuing vulnerable dogs and helping them find permanent homes.
Cyrus announced Teru's arrival through Instagram Stories, posting a photo of herself feeding the tortoise pieces of yellow bell pepper. Alongside the image, she simply wrote, "Welcome home, Teru."
Although Wags and Walks primarily focuses on dogs, the organization decided to take an unusual step after learning that Cyrus had been hoping to adopt a tortoise. The rescue group explained that this was the first tortoise it had ever helped place into a home.
The nonprofit later shared details of the adoption on social media, explaining how the unique connection came together.
"You truly never know who you'll find in a shelter," the organization wrote. "When we heard that Miley Cyrus was hoping to adopt a tortoise, we knew we had to make the connection happen. After a little coordination, the stars aligned, and Teru officially found his forever home with Miley."
Before finding his new home, Teru had been living within the shelter system. While the situation may seem unusual for a tortoise, the rescue group noted that animals of all types are increasingly ending up in shelters as facilities struggle with overcrowding.
The organization used Teru's story to draw attention to the broader challenges facing animal rescue centers. According to the nonprofit, growing numbers of pets are entering already crowded shelters and many are in urgent need of safe environments and adoptive families.
Only weeks earlier, Wags and Walks rescued 29 dogs from an overcrowded shelter where many of the animals faced uncertain futures.
Cyrus' latest rescue arrives during another significant moment in her life. Days before welcoming Teru, the singer celebrated receiving her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Family members including Tish Cyrus, Brandi Cyrus and fiancé Maxx Morando joined her in celebrating the milestone.
