Radiated tortoise
Scientific name
Astrochelys radiata
Size and weight
Shell length up to 41 cm
Up to 16 kg
Diet
Mostly grasses with some fruits and succulents
Conservation status
Critically endangered
Native habitat
The spiny forests of southern Madagascar
Lifespan
Up to 100 years
Meet our radiated tortoises
Our radiated tortoises are called Penne, Canneloni, Noodle, Angel, Gnocchi and Orzo. They enjoy coming out into the wider zoo to meet the public and feast on weeds and herbs in the grassy areas. Their favourite food is dandelion leaves. They love having a shower and will stop whatever they are doing (even eating) if they spot one of the keepers with the hose!
Want to meet our radiated tortoises up close? Why not book our scales and shells experience on the link below?
About the radiated tortoise
Radiated tortoises get their name from the yellow and black lines that radiate from the centre of each plate on their shells. These reptiles can’t leave their shells and get a new, bigger home like some shelled creatures do. Their shell grows with them and is part of their body, fused to their spine and rib cage. They can feel through their shell too and enjoy a gentle stroke or scratch.
Habitat destruction, as well as the exotic pet trade and poaching, have driven this species towards extinction. 45,000 of these tortoises are poached every year to be eaten. The rate of harvest is so fast it’s believed they could be extinct in the wild by 2053. Thankfully, captive breeding programmes are helping to ensure their numbers remain stable.
Did you know?
radiated tortoise are amongst the world’s rarest tortoises
the oldest radiated tortoise on record is Tu’i Malila, who lived to be 188 years old!
when the temperature hots up, they burrow to stay cool and avoid dehydration
they scare off predators by screeching loudly
