Karibu Tanzania

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Tortoises

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

Aldabrachelys gigantea

A giant tortoise from the Seychelles, kept on Prison Island since the 1800s.

Size

Up to 250 kg; shell up to 1.2 m

Lifespan

100+ years

Diet

Grass, leaves and fruit.

Habitat

Grassland and scrub.

About the aldabra giant tortoise

The tortoises of Changuu, or Prison Island, came from Aldabra in the Seychelles, and some individuals are believed to be more than a century old. They are gentle, and visitors can feed them leaves under the keepers' supervision.

Did you know?

01

They are among the longest-lived animals on Earth.

02

They can go a long time without water.

03

They were introduced, not native, to Zanzibar.

When to see it

Seen all year round; the best sightings depend on where you are.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Where to see it in Tanzania

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