Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Looks how to spot one

carapace and skin

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

Personality what they are like

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