AMAZING ALL AROUND

Giant Tortoises Are Here!

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giant tortoise exhibit building
ALDABRA TORTOISES: NEW TO THE INDIANAPOLIS ZOO!

Giant, ancient and full of charm, the world’s largest tortoises are here! The Zoo has five giant Aldabra tortoises (two males and three females) to offer a new kind of wild experience and encounter these gentle giants up close. It’s Amazing All Around!

Two of the five tortoises were here years ago. You might remember A.J. and Lyn St. James. Lyn is estimated to be between 80 and 100 years old now. The other three are Little Dot, Morla, and a spry 17-year-old named Maude. Measuring up to four feet long with some (like A.J.) weighing more than 500 pounds, a giant tortoise’s impressive size is matched only by its age. They can live 150 years or more!

Located next to Deserts, the new Giant Tortoise exhibit is designed for year-round comfort. This habitat includes a spacious outdoor yard for basking and exploring, including a mud wallow and a pool to support their natural behaviors. There will also be an indoor retreat for cooler weather complete with another pool.

Get Even Closer: Meet & Greet Info
BE A TORTOISE HERO!
The Eastern box turtle, a species native to Indiana, needs your help.

Did you know that tortoises are a type of turtle? Classified as an Indiana Species of Special Concern, these turtles have declining populations due to habitat loss, collisions with cars and collection for the pet trade.

You can help by using caution when driving to avoid road collisions. If you see a turtle crossing the road, stop and gently move it to the side it was heading toward.

It is illegal to own an Eastern box turtle in Indiana, but there are other turtle species that are legal to have as a pet.

  1. Research – Before adopting, make sure to do your research on the species and understand their unique needs. Just like humans, they are not all the same. In addition, some species are illegal to own, so check out your state’s Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for listings of animals that you must have a special permit to own.
  2. Commitment – Turtles and tortoises can live long lives. Make sure you can commit to the expected life span of the species you are looking to adopt.
  3. Source – Make sure to adopt from a reputable source. Your state’s herpetological society will have good recommendations. In Indiana, go to Arrowhead Reptile Society or Hoosier Herpetological Society.