Radiated Tortoise
Habitat: Reptiles
On view you’ll see two adult and two sub-adult Radiated tortoises. These animals spend the warmer months in Tortoise Territory and are taken to live in a tropical greenhouse when the temperatures begin to drop into the 50s. Our male came to the United States in 1969 as a full-grown adult estimated to be at least 25 years old at the time, but he did not successfully sire offspring until 2011 here at Zoo Knoxville. Now he has many offspring.
Did You Know?
Location
Southwestern Madagascar
The population of Radiated tortoises has plummeted by 75% in the last 20 years due to habitat loss, poaching for the pet trade and for human consumption. The Turtle Survival Alliance is on the ground in Madagascar partnering with local villages to help protect this beautiful tortoise. For more information, visit turtlesurvival.org.