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Aldabra Tortoises Return to the Indianapolis Zoo!
Giant, ancient, and full of charm, the world’s largest tortoises make their triumphant return Memorial Day weekend! The Zoo will have 5 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 5 tortoises were here years ago. You might remember A.J. and Lyn St. James. Lyn is nearly 140 years old now and weighs 550 pounds. The other three are Little Dot (89), Morla (~40) and a spry 17-year-old name Maude.
Measuring up to four feet long with some (like Lyn) weighing over 500 pounds, a giant tortoise’s impressive size is matched only by its age. They can live 150 years or more!
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While their permanent habitat is still under construction until the fall, these 5 tortoises can’t wait to meet you. They will be in an exhibit space called The Pit Stop near the flamingoes – basically a little less mud, but still a whole lot of fun.
Once finished in the fall, the giant tortoises will move to their main home, located next to Deserts. 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.