Aldabra Tortoise
Aldabra Tortoises are the largest tortoises in the world, they are slightly larger than their relatives the Galapagos Tortoises. These giant island reptiles are slow moving, long lived and have no predators after their first few years of life.
Aldabras are the best kind of giants, gentle giants.
-Jim
Physical Description
Aldabras are gigantic tortoises. They can reach a shell length of more than 5 feet and weigh over 600 pounds! They are grayish to brownish in color and have huge scales. They have long necks and long thick legs, which look like an elephant’s. We call these elephantine legs.
Family Life
Mother Aldabra Tortoise lay up to 25 tennis ball-sized eggs in a ground nesting chamber. After between 2 and 5 months the young tortoises hatch and start life on their own.
Diet
Grasses, fruit, and other plant matter
Quick Stats
- Scientific Name: Geochelone gigantea
- Type of Animal: Reptile
- Diet: Omnivore
- Lifespan: Up to at least 152 years
- Status in the Wild: Endangered
- Filmed At:
The Los Angeles Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo
- In Episode:
Remarkable Reptiles
