The Aldabra giant tortoise is like a real-life time traveler—huge, peaceful, and ancient. These enormous tortoises come from the Aldabra Atoll, a group of remote coral islands in the Indian Ocean near Madagascar. They’ve been around for millions of years and can live for over 100 years, with some believed to be even older!
These tortoises are among the largest in the world, second only to the Galápagos tortoise. Adults can weigh more than 500 pounds and stretch over 4 feet long. Despite their size, they’re incredibly gentle and curious, often seen slowly exploring their enclosures or sunbathing in the shade.
Aldabra tortoises are herbivores, which means they eat plants—lots of them! They enjoy munching on grasses, leaves, fruits, and even cactus pads. Their strong jaws help them crush tough vegetation, and they can go long periods without water by storing moisture in their bodies.
These tortoises are built for hot, dry environments and use their large, dome-shaped shells for protection from the sun and predators. Their long, scaly necks let them reach plants just above ground level, and their thick, sturdy legs help them move their massive bodies with surprising ease—though still at a tortoise’s signature slow pace.
In zoos, Aldabra giant tortoises are often featured in tropical or island exhibits. Because they live so long, many of them have been part of the zoo family for decades!
