Pet turtles generally live between 20 and 40 years on average, depending heavily on the species and the care they receive. Aquatic turtles commonly live 20–30 years, but some species can live much longer, even up to 50 years or more. For example, box turtles can live 20–50 years, painted turtles 25–50 years, and some species like the Mata Mata turtle can live 40–75 years. Some turtles, like the spotted turtle, may live over 100 years
. Tortoises, which are a related group, tend to live even longer, with many species reaching 70 to over 100 years. For instance, Greek and leopard tortoises can live 100 years or more, while others like the Sulcata tortoise can live 30–50 years, sometimes up to 120 years
. The lifespan of pet turtles and tortoises is strongly influenced by proper care, including diet, habitat conditions, and veterinary attention. In captivity, they often live longer than in the wild due to protection from predators and consistent food supply
. In summary, pet turtles can be lifelong companions, often living several decades, with some species capable of living over a century under optimal care. This longevity requires a serious commitment from owners
