A 12-year-old African tortoise that had his front left leg amputated is on a roll, thanks to a swiveling wheel attached to his shell recently at Washington State University's veterinary hospital.

Gamera, a 23-pound African spur-thighed tortoise, has gained weight and is thriving with his new appendage.



"I don't know whether he'd pass the hare, but he moves around very well," a hospital spokesman said last week.

Gamera was brought to the hospital by his owner with a life-threatening leg injury.

His leg was amputated at the shoulder. Vets attached the wheel to his shell with epoxy adhesive, and Gamera was up and rolling immediately.

The wheel should last for years before it has to be replaced, vets said. That's good news because tortoises can live to a ripe old age.

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