Juvenile Aldabra Tortoise

Common Name: Aldabra Tortoise
Scientific Name: Dipsochelys Dussumieri
Current Size: 12" +/-
Average Adult Size: 36-48" and 350-550 Pounds 
Area of Origin: Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles Islands

Description: Black shell color from birth to adult size. The skin is black, which fades to a gray color with time and age. These massive, round tortoises are second in size only to the Galapagos tortoises. Some think that the Aldabras actually hold the record (800 pounds), but that the Galaps average slightly larger. 

Habitat: Naturally these tortoises exist in a wide variety of habitats, from grassland to jungle, almost all with moderate to high humidity and moderate temperatures. They can handle variable amounts of humidity in captivity once grown, but babies should be kept humid to ensure proper smooth growth. They do not hibernate, but will go through a winter slow down period during cooler weather and shortened daylengths. As adults, they can safely handle body temperatures as low as 45 degrees at night as long as they are able to heat up into the 70's during the day. Summer highs up to 120 degrees can be tolerated as long as there is a cooler, shaded retreat the tortoise can get into. Moisture is not a problem in warmer temperatures (a cool mud hole on a hot day), but in cooler weather and on cold nights, the tortoises should be kept dry.

Diet: This tortoise is naturally a grazer, and will wander about munching on grasses, broadleaf plants and fallen fruit the majority of its natural life. They are known to eat meat in the wild, and have been seen eating dead animal carcasses. In captivity, Aldabras tortoises will eat almost anything such as leafy weeds and clover (dandelions are a favorite), fruit, vegetables and they love Mazuri tortoise diet. They are also content just eating grass, as long as they don't run out. 

Adult Behavior: Adult Aldabra tortoises are interactive and curious tortoises once they are past a nervous baby stage that lasts for a few years. They are usually unaggressive towards each other and can usually be kept long term in mixed-sex groups. They are not damaging to their environment, rarely digging holes or burrows. Most Aldabras will follow their keepers looking for food once they are comfortable in their environments