Girlfriend Arrives for Hugo the Galapagos Giant Tortoise

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: June 25, 2021 5:15 am

Estrella the Galapagos giant tortoise is in quarantine at the Australian Reptile Park following her recent arrival from Europe

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

Keepers at the Australian Reptile Park are celebrating the arrival of Estrella, a female Galapagos giant tortoise who will become the girlfriend of their male tortoise Hugo.

Estrella came to Australia from Zoo Rostock in Germany. While she was due to travel early last year complications due to Covid-19 had delayed her arrival until now. Since then Hugo has been working to ensure he is in perfect shape to meet his new partner.

Hugo the resident Galapagos giant tortoise is waiting to meet his new partner Estrella.

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

Hugo and Estrella first met on dating app tinder during 2019. Since then Hugo has awaited her arrival.

It will be another three months before the two endangered tortoises meet. Estrella is currently undergoing a mandatory period of quarantine.

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Daniel Rumsey, Head of Reptiles at the Australian Reptile Park said, “I couldn’t be more excited for Hugo! Estrella Is beautiful. We have always wanted to get Hugo a girlfriend to replace the ‘special’ rock he has in his enclosure.”

Rumsey continued, “He’s got a bit of an extra bounce in his step now and we’re all counting down the days until the lovers can meet! Who knows, maybe within the next few years we will have some baby Galapagos tortoises!”

Estrella the Galapagos giant tortoise is shown with her keeper Daniel Rumsey in quarantine at the Australian Reptile Park following her recent arrival from Europe

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

Hugo arrived at the Australian Reptile Park during 1963 as an infant. He is still considered middle age even as he approaches 70 years old.

He is one of the most popular animals at the Australian Reptile Park where guests can join him each day for a walk.

Hugo the Galapagos giant tortoise is pictured with his keeper Daniel Rumsey

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

Learn more about Galapagos Giant Tortoises here – Galapagos Giant Tortoise Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Australian Reptile Park on their website – Australian Reptile Park