Last month, we reported that local resident Max the Tortoise has been struggling to fend off a bacterial infection. Max is currently in the hospital and his doctors have ordered another MRI, but there’s still every reason to be hopeful, said Kevin Proulx, the Tortoise Guy and nearby neighbor.
“Max is strong as a tank,” explained Proulx. “And he’s been fighting his illness literally by keeping his body and neck and head up high to try and stop the regurgitating that’s been so hard for him.”
“The doctors said that Max is the friendliest and gentlest huge tortoise they’ve even seen, and he’s become the unofficial mascot of Access Specialty Hospital in Culver City,” said Proulx.
Thanks to all the generous donations, a very grateful Proulx said Max is getting the best medical treatment in the world. Proulx and friends of Tortoiseland set up up a GOFUNDME page to help cover the tortoise’s medical bills, estimated at approximately $10,000. So far they have raised more than $5,400.
“I am blown away blown away by the outpouring of support for Max,” Proulx told the Buzz. “That’s also a testament to how Max is so fascinating to so many people. He truly is the mascot of Tortoiseland. His huge size and gentle personality makes kids and adults instantly fall for him. That’s certainly what happen with me when I rescued him from that awful bathroom 15 years ago,” said Proulx.
Here’s a video on his current condition.
