Name

 Aldabra Giant Tortoise 

Scientific Name

Geochelone gigantea

Characteristics

The tortoise is a land-dwelling reptile in the family Testudinidae, which contains around 40-50 species.

Tortoises are well-known for their hard outer shell that protects them from predators. This shell can range in size from a few centimetres to a couple of metres, depending on the species. The African Speckled Tortoise is the world’s smallest tortoise reaching a maximum carapace (the shell’s top) length of 11 centimeters.

At Noah’s Ark, we have three species of tortoise; the Aldabra Tortoise, the African Spur Thigh Tortoise and the Leopard Tortoise.

The Aldabra Giant Tortoise is one of the largest species of tortoise in the world. 

Diet

Tortoises are herbivores and feed on grasses, sedges, flowers, succulents, and fruits.

Size Fact

The Galapagos tortoise is the world’s largest, with some specimens exceeding 1.5 meters.

Food Fact

Predators of eggs and hatchlings include small mammals, birds, and other reptiles.

Fun Fact

Some individuals are known to have lived longer than 150 years!

IUCN Red list

The Aldabra Tortoise is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. 

Where do I live?

The Aldabra Tortoise is native to Madagascar, the Seychelles and Tanzania.

Keeper Talk

No

Our tortoises

At Noah’s Ark, we have three species of tortoise: the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, the African Spur Thigh Tortoise and the Leopard Tortoise.