I know that the Galapagos Tortoise yards underwent a $1 million renovation a few years ago, but did that include adding the cement pathway around the outer edge of the exhibit. What is the purpose of there not being dirt all the way up to the wall? Do tortoises always congregate by the visitor divider or is it a coincidence that they are in that position in this photo? Needless to say that San Diego has some absolutely spectacular reptile exhibits and the tortoise yards are a highlight of this part of the zoo.
I know that the Galapagos Tortoise yards underwent a $1 million renovation a few years ago, but did that include adding the cement pathway around the outer edge of the exhibit. What is the purpose of there not being dirt all the way up to the wall? Do tortoises always congregate by the visitor divider or is it a coincidence that they are in that position in this photo? Needless to say that San Diego has some absolutely spectacular reptile exhibits and the tortoise yards are a highlight of this part of the zoo.
One million dollars may sound like a lot of money for a tortoise yard upgrade, but the tortoises really seem to enjoy their new nightclub, helipad, casino, golf course, and mini-mall and you really can't put a price on happiness, can you?
they did a wonderful job with these yards. the elevated areas around the pools and feeding areas, force the tortoises to stretch and climb. this helps with overall health and keeping their hips in top shape. for years, before people paid attention, tortoises were kept on soft substrate or concrete-flooring, this caused all sorts of issues. their feet and claws were wearing down, causing issues from the feet up. it was observed that the tortoises were favoring placing their feet when "walking". in turn, this caused them to "scoot" along, dragging themselves. fast forward a few years, and this renovation happened. sloping grade, rocks strewn about, raised pools and feeders, all to keep their health up. due to the age and overall health of the tortoises, yards were kept fairly barren, different substrate with aggregate to help them dig in and move with ease. with newer exhibits and younger tortoises, yards are mostly rocky, to promote good exercise, health and stimuli. which is proving well in both the professional and private keeping of this awesome species.
they did a wonderful job with these yards. the elevated areas around the pools and feeding areas, force the tortoises to stretch and climb. this helps with overall health and keeping their hips in top shape. for years, before people paid attention, tortoises were kept on soft substrate or concrete-flooring, this caused all sorts of issues. their feet and claws were wearing down, causing issues from the feet up. it was observed that the tortoises were favoring placing their feet when "walking". in turn, this caused them to "scoot" along, dragging themselves. fast forward a few years, and this renovation happened. sloping grade, rocks strewn about, raised pools and feeders, all to keep their health up. due to the age and overall health of the tortoises, yards were kept fairly barren, different substrate with aggregate to help them dig in and move with ease. with newer exhibits and younger tortoises, yards are mostly rocky, to promote good exercise, health and stimuli. which is proving well in both the professional and private keeping of this awesome species.
you're welcome, David. about the barren part, due to the age, the different material with aggregate was used over more rocky terrain because some animals still "scoot" and that would cause more harm than good at the point to their plastron and feet. I will also say that the new barn behind the exhibit is fantastic! larger, well-ventilated, natural lighting, as well as heat lights. it is a palace compared to that old, dark holding area. they can also shift the animals more easily. also included was a nice off-show yard. these tortoises have it well.
You would not be too impressed with the Reptile Zoo near Seattle. There is a sign up telling visitors that it is perfectly okay to pet the tortoises (Sulcata, Red-Footed and Leopard) on their shells! An example of an open-topped enclosure:
You would not be too impressed with the Reptile Zoo near Seattle. There is a sign up telling visitors that it is perfectly okay to pet the tortoises (Sulcata, Red-Footed and Leopard) on their shells! An example of an open-topped enclosure:
That would probably bother the heck out of me. Something about bothering the animals really annoys me deep down. I remember on a separate trip I was at the kangaroo exhibit in Urban Jungle,and the kangaroo was asleep,so a man decided it was a great idea to take his water bottle and hit the light pole with it to wake the kangaroo up. Sometimes people really suck.
