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Aldabra Tortoise

Geochelone gigantea

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Geochelone gigantea
Class: Reptile
Weight: 350 to 550 pounds
Life span: 80 to 120 years
Conservation status: Vulnerable
Number of offspring: 4 to 5 eggs at a time

About

I LIVE IN AFRICA

The Aldabra tortoise is native to grassland and coastal habitats on Aldabra Island, on of the Seychelles islands off the coast of East Africa.


I AM AN OMNIVORE

The Aldabra tortoise consumes a range of vegetation including grasses, woody plants, and nutritious leaves. Although their diet is largely herbivorous, they will eat meat if it is available.


ALDABRA TORTOISES ARE SOCIAL

When compared to other tortoise and reptile species, Aldabra tortoises are more social than most. They can often be found in pairs and small groups.


LARGER THAN LIFE

The Aldabra tortoise is one of the largest land tortoises in the world. While most of these tortoises range from 350 to 550 pounds, the largest free-roaming Aldabra tortoise in recorded history weighed almost 700 pounds.


HELPING THE ALDABRA TORTOISE IN THE WILD

By visiting the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, you are supporting local, regional, and global conservation. A portion of every ticket sold goes towards conservation of wildlife and wild places. Each year, the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo donates over $250,000 to our conservation partners


I AM IMPORTANT TO MY ECOSYSTEM

Because of their largely vegetarian diet, the Aldabra tortoise plays an important role in seed dispersal. Not only does the Aldabra tortoise benefit the natural environment, but the seeds that have passed through their digestive tract will also eventually become food for other animal species in their habitat.


 

Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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