Inside the Reptile House, where the educational displays now stand.
Prior to 1968(?) this area served as the Frog Lobby. The amphibians were then moved into the Aquarium and the giant tortoises moved into the Reptile House in preparation for the construction of the Sobells.
From what I've been told giant tortoises did not do well here. But this is where I saw them first..
Prior to 1968(?) this area served as the Frog Lobby. The amphibians were then moved into the Aquarium and the giant tortoises moved into the Reptile House in preparation for the construction of the Sobells.
You queried the date, Ian, but it was indeed 1968 when the giant tortoises were moved into the former “Frog Lobby” area of the Reptile House and the amphibians were moved to the Aquarium.
The former giant tortoise accommodation, in the old South Mammal House (previously known as the Rodent House), was subsequently demolished to make way for the Sobell Pavilions.
I remember that they were labelled with the wonderful name of Porter's blackish tortoise - which is the species from Santa Cruz (or Indefatigable to use the old English name). Officially it is Chelonoidis nigrita.
There was only one porteri in the collection I believe (almost certainly the smaller round one on the right) but I will check. But again, photos VERY welcome!
