Select a region
Four new giant tortoises have become Jersey Zoo's newest residents - with one of the new arrivals weighing over 200kg, making it the heaviest animal there.
The Aldabra giant tortoises, which can live for over 150 years, have settled into a brand new purpose-built enclosure named the Tortoise Tunnel, which is next to the Butterfly Kaleidoscope.
The reptile quartet arrived in November from Bristol Zoo, however the animals have been kept in quarantine until now, according to Jersey Zoo.
Of the four arrivals 'Biggie' weighs over 200kg and overtakes Badongo the silverback gorilla as the heaviest animal at the Zoo.
Pictured: Biggie weighs more than Badongo the silverback gorilla.
Curator of Herpetology and Invertebrates at Jersey Zoo, Matt Goetz said: "We are really excited to have Aldabra tortoises back at Jersey Zoo.
"Not only are they fascinating to look at and learn about, but they also play an important role in our conservation work around the world."
One of the new arrivals called 'Twiggy' returns to Jersey Zoo after living there 1965 and 1975, before being moved to Bristol Zoo.
Pictured: Twiggy returns to Jersey Zoo - where she previously lived for 10 years - after being moved to Bristol in 1975.
Aldabra giant tortoises and Galapagos giant tortoises are the largest species of tortoise in the world, according to Jersey Zoo.
Jersey Zoo stated that the Aldabra tortoises were hunted for food across the Seychelles.
In addition, Jersey Zoo have worked with the tortoises for over 20 years and have introduced them into two Islands in Mauritius called Île aux Aigrettes and Round Island.
Pictured: Helen the tortoise.
There are now 800 Aldabra giant tortoises who are 'free-roaming' on Round Island, thanks to work conducted by Durrell and their partners, said Jersey Zoo.
Mr Goetz added: "We have been working with Aldabra tortoises for many years in our island restoration programme around Mauritius, helping to restore vital ecosystems that have been lost due to the extinction of native tortoises.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our brand-new enclosure, so they can find out more about this impressive species."
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.