Tortoises Race to their New Home at ZSL London Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 8, 2021 1:00 am

The three Galapagos giant tortoises are led to their new Giants of the Galapagos home

Photo Credit: ZSL London Zoo

Three Galapagos giant tortoises have made their move to a new home at ZSL London Zoo undertaking an epic trip from one side of the zoo to the other. Dolly, Polly and Priscilla embarked on their race across the zoo ready for the opening of their new habitat on October 9th 2021.

The 26 year old tortoises were each guided by a dedicated keeper as they made their way to the habitat. It took just over an hour for the tortoises to complete the walk from one enclosure to another including a stop for a quick nibble on some grass.

Priscilla the Galapagos giant tortoise settles in at her new Giants of the Galapagos home

Photo Credit: ZSL London Zoo

In the race to see the new habitat first Dolly took a commanding lead but was taken over by Polly who entered the exhibit around the same time as Priscilla.

Keepers have spent months preparing for the move to ensure the terrific trio could be safely moved to their new home. This included mapping the shortest route across the zoo to minimize walking for these renowned slow movers.

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To help encourage the tortoises on their journey keepers provided a healthy supply of watermelon.

“We made sure to have plenty of tasty cucumber, carrots and watermelon handy as extra encouragement if needed, but after clearing an access from their old outdoor paddock onto a Zoo path, it was full steam ahead for the three females – who undertook the walk at their own pace, each accompanied by a zookeeper for support.” 

Joe Capon with Dolly the Galapagos giant tortoise at ZSL London Zoo

Photo Credit: ZSL London Zoo

Dolly, Polly and Priscilla will now spend a few weeks settling in to the new Giants of the Galapagos habitat. It includes a range of premium features to keep them comfortable including two lagoon pools, a mud wallow and a tropical forest to explore.

Guests will be able to meet the trio of tortoises themselves when Giants of the Galapagos opens on October 9th 2021.

Zookeeper Charli Ellis leads Priscilla the Galapagos giant tortoise to her new home

Photo Credit: ZSL London Zoo

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

Learn more about ZSL London Zoo on their website – ZSL London Zoo