Walking Giants was opened in summer 2012, housing 3 out of 4 of the world's biggest tortoise species!
This enclosure has been developed in memory of leading aviculturist and friend of Colchester Zoo, Raymond Sawyer.
Giant tortoise species in the exhibit:
Aldabra Giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea)
Distribution: Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles.
Status: Vulnerable and listed on Appendix II of CITES.
In the wild, they would mainly eat vegetation but will also scavenge on carrion and eat invertebrates. They are listed as vulnerable due to loss of habitat and non-native mammalian predators.
Did you know? These giants can live for well over 100 years!
Did you know? They can grow up to 60cm long, making them Asia's largest species of tortoise!
African Spurred Tortoise (Geochelone sulcata)
Distribution: Sub Saharan Africa.
Status: Vulnerable and listed on Appendix II of CITES.
In the wild, these will feed on various plants, including thistles and grasses. They are listed ad vulnerable due to Loss of habitat and are locally hunted for meat and capture for the pet trade.
Did you know? Males are larger than females, and can reach 90cm in length.
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