🌞🐢 BIG NEWS FROM RESCUE ZOO! 🐢🌞
Summer has sprung at Rescue Zoo, and with the season's arrival, comes the long-awaited emergence of our African spurred tortoises from their winter quarters. Darwin, our notable male, and his enchanting females have finally stepped out into the warm embrace of the sun after spending a chilly winter in the shelter of our barn.
This breed, also known as Sulcata tortoises, is native to the Sahara desert and the Sahel, a transitional eco-region in Africa. They are the third largest species of tortoise in the world and the largest species of mainland tortoise, with mature individuals often reaching lengths of up to 83cm and weights of 105kg!
African spurred tortoises are impressive creatures, characterized by their large, domed shells that are usually brown to yellow in color. Their shells are noticeably thick, providing excellent protection from the elements and potential predators. The name 'spurred' tortoise comes from the unique conical spurs found on their hind legs.
Darwin and his females have been with us for several years, winning over the hearts of our team and visitors alike with their gentle demeanor and fascinating behaviors. The winter months are a period of less activity for these cold-blooded animals. They spend most of their time in the warmth and protection of our specially designed barn. But with the return of the summer sun, our tortoises become more active, spending their days leisurely exploring the large summer pasture.
And this summer, there is an exciting change for our tortoise family. They will be sharing the summer pasture with our kangaroos! This cohabitation may seem unusual, but it mirrors the diverse inter-species interactions that occur in the wild. It offers our visitors a unique opportunity to observe these two different, but equally enchanting, species coexist.
Visiting our African spurred tortoises is more than just an entertaining day out. It's an opportunity to learn about these remarkable animals, their habitats, and the conservation issues they face. Despite their size and hardy nature, these tortoises are classified as a vulnerable species by the IUCN, mainly due to habitat loss and overexploitation.
Here at Rescue Zoo, we're passionate about educating our visitors on the importance of conservation and wildlife protection. Each visit to our zoo aids in our mission to provide the best possible care for our animals and to raise awareness for wildlife conservation.
Come join us, experience the joy of seeing Darwin and his females bask in the summer sun, and support our mission of preserving and celebrating the wonderful world of wildlife.
#RescueZoo #DarwinTheTortoise #SummerInTheSun