The giant Aldabra tortoises and African spurred tortoises have returned to their outdoor enclosures after spending the winter in specially equipped facilities designed to ensure their well-being. These endangered species, included on the IUCN Red List, are the second and third largest tortoises on the planet and can be seen in two unique areas: the Kitum Cave and Madagascar, where they live alongside lemurs. The extended opening hours until 8:00 p.m. allow visitors to enjoy this unique experience at BIOPARC Valencia, including encounters with the baby rhinoceroses, elephants, and chimpanzees.
The changing seasons also mark the rhythm of life at BIOPARC Valencia. Spring temperatures allow some species more sensitive to the cold to return outdoors, such as the turtles, in this case the of Aldabra (Aldabrachelys gigantea) And African spurs (Centrochelys sulcataVisitors to the animal park can, in addition to admiring the tender side of nature with the baby rhinos, elephants, or chimpanzees, be amazed to see the second and third largest turtle species on the planet only surpassed in size by the giant Galapagos island.
African tortoises
These impressive reptiles have spent the winter in comfortable interior spaces that have allowed them to maintain a optimal temperature conditionsfundamental to their well-being. During this period of “hibernation,” animal care staff have monitored their condition, keeping them warm using heating systems. With the arrival of Good weather, they resume their activity and they return to the outdoor areas, in this case, two particularly unique areas of BIOPARC Valencia.
The Aldabra tortoises are located in the area that represents the Madagascar IslandLiving alongside lemurs that are curious about their presence, they interact with them and even try to steal their food. Meanwhile, African spurred tortoises inhabit the area around the entrance to the only existing recreation of the mythical Kitum cave.
The giant tortoise of Aldabra
The Aldabra tortoise is notable for its longevity, as it often lives for over a century.The BIOPARC Valencia couple reaches up to 110 kilos The male weighs around 100 kilos, and the female around 100 kilos. They are herbivorous animals with a hearty appetite, their diet based on a variety of vegetables and supplemented with feed. The African spurred tortoise, for its part, owes its name to the elongated plates on its rear end. It is the largest continental species in the world. and is characterized by its robustness. Both species are listed as vulnerable according to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which reinforces the park's commitment to its protection.
The move involves a logistical and technical challengeBecause of its large size, a multidisciplinary team is needed. Biology and gardening professionals have participated in this process to adapt the environment to its needs and encourage its natural behaviors.
4 species of turtles at BIOPARC Valencia
BIOPARC Valencia offers the opportunity to see two other species of turtles, one aquatic known as African shield (Pelomedusa subrufa) and another with more terrestrial habits, called articulated from Home (Kinixys homeana) in a unique terrarium adapted to Africa's largest snake, the African python (Python sebae). All this in the area that recreates the extraordinary underground world of the savanna, where you can also be amazed by meeting the aardvark (Orycteropus afer), the elephant shrew (Macroscelides proboscideus) or the mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber), among other species.
