The shell is high and domed, coloured brown or tan, with thick, scaly legs that look a bit like an elephant's. The neck is surprisingly long for a tortoise, helping it reach leaves and branches. The head is small and pointed, covered in scales.12
These tortoises are generally calm and friendly, often enjoying a scratch on the neck. They are curious and very food-motivated, but they do not realise how heavy they are, so they can accidentally knock people over. Care is needed around children and small animals.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
They are most active in the morning, grazing and wandering. They need plenty of space to roam, with grass to eat, shaded spots and a muddy wallow to cool off. They sleep a lot, sometimes up to 18 hours a day.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
They need regular lukewarm baths when young to stay hydrated and prevent bladder stones. Their enclosure must be kept clean, and they need a shallow water source for drinking and bathing. Their nails and beak may need trimming if they do not wear down naturally.3
Home where they are happiest
A very large, secure outdoor area with solid buried walls is essential, because they are strong enough to push things over. They need a heated indoor shelter for cooler weather, with a basking spot of 35 to 40°C and a warm side of 24 to 32°C. They also need strong UVB light, either from direct sunlight or a good UVB lamp. This species is protected under CITES and listed as Vulnerable, so keeping one requires legal documentation in many countries.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
They are mainly herbivores, eating grasses, leaves, stems and some fruit. In the wild they sometimes eat small invertebrates or carrion, but this should not be offered in captivity. A high-fibre, low-protein diet with hay, leafy greens and only a little fruit is best, plus calcium supplements.134
Company who they like around
They are one of the more social tortoise species and can be kept in groups, though males may fight for territory and breeding rights. They can become tame and recognise their keepers. Because they are so large and strong, they must be handled with care, especially around children.23
The story where it all began
Aldabra giant tortoises come from the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, where they developed their huge size due to island gigantism. They have been kept in captivity for a long time; one famous tortoise, Adwaita, lived in Kolkata Zoo from 1875 until 2006 and was thought to be over 200 years old. They are now protected, and keeping them requires special permits.13
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Aldabra Giant Tortoise. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
Fresh food and waterevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Spot cleanevery day
SoakA shallow lukewarm soakevery week
UVB bulb changeFollow the bulb maker's adviceevery 6 months
Outdoor time summerSupervised sunshine on warm daysevery day
Weigh inevery month
Full cleanevery month
Vet check-upFind a vet who sees exotic petsevery year
Dandelion and clover are safe, nutritious weeds that tortoises love. Dandelion provides calcium and vitamins, while clover adds variety. Feed only young, fresh leaves and as part of a wider diet.
You need
A handful of fresh dandelion leaves and flowers
A handful of fresh clover leaves and flowers (young, undamaged)
How
Wash the dandelion and clover thoroughly under cool running water to remove any soil or insects.
Pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Mix the leaves and flowers together in a clean bowl.
Offer a small portion to your tortoise as a treat, ensuring the rest of the meal is varied.
How much: A small handful per tortoise, no more than once or twice a week as part of a varied diet.
Hibiscus flowers are a safe, colourful treat that many tortoises enjoy. They are low in oxalates and provide a source of hydration and natural sugars. Feed sparingly.
You need
1-2 fresh hibiscus flowers (washed)
How
Pick or purchase fresh hibiscus flowers that have not been treated with pesticides.
Rinse the flowers gently under cool water to remove any dirt or insects.
Offer the whole flower to your tortoise, or tear it into smaller pieces if needed.
How much: One or two flowers per tortoise, no more than once a week.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Aldabra Giant Tortoise?
Offer fresh food daily, as they are grazers. Furry Diary's starting plan includes fresh food and water every day. Adjust amounts based on your tortoise's appetite and body condition, and check with your vet for precise portions.1Furry Diary plan
What does an Aldabra Giant Tortoise eat, and what should it never eat?
They are mainly herbivores, eating grasses, leaves, stems, and a little fruit. A high-fibre, low-protein diet with hay, leafy greens, and calcium supplements is best. Never offer small invertebrates or carrion, as these are not suitable in captivity.134
How much space does an Aldabra Giant Tortoise need?
They need a very large, secure outdoor area with solid buried walls, as they are strong enough to push things over. They also require a heated indoor shelter for cooler weather. The space should include grass to graze, shaded spots, and a muddy wallow.312
What temperature, light or water does an Aldabra Giant Tortoise need?
Provide a basking spot of 35 to 40°C and a warm side of 24 to 32°C. Strong UVB light is essential, either from direct sunlight or a good UVB lamp. They need a shallow water source for drinking and bathing, and Furry Diary suggests a weekly lukewarm soak.3Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean an Aldabra Giant Tortoise's home?
Spot clean daily and do a full clean monthly, as per Furry Diary's plan. Keep the enclosure clean to maintain hygiene. Nails and beak may need trimming if they don't wear down naturally.3Furry Diary plan
Can an Aldabra Giant Tortoise live with others?
Yes, they are one of the more social tortoise species and can be kept in groups. However, males may fight for territory and breeding rights. They can become tame and recognise their keepers.23
How long does an Aldabra Giant Tortoise live?
They can live a very long time, typically between 80 and 200 years. This is a lifelong commitment, so be prepared for decades of care.13
Can I handle an Aldabra Giant Tortoise?
They are generally calm and friendly, often enjoying a neck scratch, but they are very heavy and can accidentally knock people over. Handle with care, especially around children and small animals. They are curious and food-motivated.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
en.wikipedia.org: Aldabra giant tortoiseen.wikipedia.orgused for origin, weight kg, length cm, lifespan years, coat or body, colours, activity needs, diet basics, history, fun fact
nationalzoo.si.edu: aldabra tortoisenationalzoo.si.eduused for origin, weight kg, length cm, coat or body, colours, best traits, activity needs, social needs, fun fact
reptinode.fr: aldabrachelys giganteareptinode.frused for lifespan years, best traits, temperament, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs, history
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