ALDABRA GIANT TORTOISE
Aldabrachelys gigantea
Aldabra tortoises are found both individually and in groups called a creep, which tend to gather mostly on open grasslands. They are most active in the mornings when they spend time browsing for food. They dig underground burrows or rest in swamps to keep cool during the heat of the day. While they are characteristically slow and cautious, they are capable of appreciable speed. They are also known to attempt perilous acrobatic feats, rising precariously on their hind legs to reach low branches. Their native range is on the Island of Aldabra in the Indian Ocean.
Aldabra giant tortoises are among the longest-lived animals on Earth, with well-documented individuals surpassing 150 years and some believed to have lived well past 200. They’re the second-largest tortoise species in the world, behind only the Galápagos giant tortoise. Their massive, domed shells can support many times their own body weight, and studies suggest they have surprisingly good long-term memories, able to recognize familiar caretakers. See our Aldabra giant tortoise at Plumpton Park Zoo — plan your visit.
DIET
Primarily herbivores, Aldabra giant tortoises eat grasses,
leaves, and woody plant stems. They occasionally indulge
in small invertebrates and carrion, even eating the bodies of
other dead tortoises. In captivity, they are known to consume
fruits such as apples and bananas, as well as compressed
vegetable pellets.woody plant stems.
leaves, and woody plant stems. They occasionally indulge
in small invertebrates and carrion, even eating the bodies of
other dead tortoises. In captivity, they are known to consume
fruits such as apples and bananas, as well as compressed
vegetable pellets.woody plant stems.
FAST FACTS
Size: 3 – 4 feet length
Weight: 350 – 500 lbs
Lifespan: Over 200 years in
the wild.
Weight: 350 – 500 lbs
Lifespan: Over 200 years in
the wild.