World Famous Tortoise, Hugo Turns 71, Eats Cake

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 16, 2021 5:46 pm

Hugo the Galapagos giant tortoise enjoys his cake alongside new girlfriend Estrella

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park

World famous Galapagos giant tortoise Hugo has celebrated his 71st birthday. Keepers whipped up a special three-tier cake made up of watermelon and hibiscus flowers. To top off the cake was a miniature version of hugo carved from melon.

Hugo had an exciting year to celebrate. Eating the cake with him was new girlfriend Estrella who joined him from Germany in the middle of the year.

The pair were excited to see their cake and slowly approached it before devouring it. The fruit is a special treat for the tortoises. The standard diet of a Galapagos giant tortoise includes any green vegetation they can find such as grass and cacti. At the park they feed on bamboo stalks, carrots, leaves and flowers. The fruits he enjoyed for his birthday are a special treat each year.

— AD —

Guests were keen to meet Hugo and share birthday wishes and pats as he went on his daily walk around the park accompanied by his keepers.

Head of Reptiles, Daniel Rumsey explains “Anyone who meets Hugo knows he is not your regular tortoise. He is full of personality and will greet anyone with a big smile! I love working with him and watching everyone’s faces light up when they see him for the first time.”

Mr Rumsey continues, “I always say if you didn’t give Hugo’s shell a rub, you haven’t visited the Australian Reptile Park! It really does give you good luck!”

While Hugo is currently the eldest animal at the Australian Reptile Park he is showing no signs of slowing down. It is expected that he will live for well over 150 years. With girlfriend Estrella having arrived it is also hoped that fatherhood is in his future.

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

Hugo the Galapagos giant tortoise enjoys his specially made fruit cake for his 71st birthday

Photo Credit: Australian Reptile Park