Giant tortoises move to Leeds after outgrowing home

A zoo in Leeds has welcomed five giant tortoises after they outgrew their previous home.

The group of sulcata tortoises, also known as African spurred tortoises, has moved from the Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire to Tropical World in Roundhay.

They are the third largest species of tortoise in the world, after the Galapagos tortoise and the Aldabra giant tortoise.

Abigail Hardwick, animal officer at Tropical World, said the group were all settling in well.

They have been named Tank, Scoop, Dizzy, Roley and Muck.

"They all have coloured markings on their shells so we know who is who," said Ms Hardwick.

"Tank is the biggest male and the most boisterous, he can often be seen pushing the other boys out of the way to be first to the food bowls," she added.

The new arrival comes as Tropical World, which is run by Leeds City Council, received official accreditation by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), after being screened by experts earlier this year.

A Tropical World spokesperson said the mark of excellence recognised the high quality of the zoo in the fields of animal welfare, conservation, education and research.

Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council's executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: "The tortoises are very impressive to look at, and we're glad to have been able to give them a new home at Tropical World.

"Receiving the accredited status from BIAZA is also a testament to the passion and hard work of all the staff members," he added.

Sulcata tortoises have a life expectancy of more than 70 years.

They have no real known predators as adults, due to their large shell and average weight, which is around 80kg for a male.

They are the largest of all mainland tortoises and usually reside along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert.

The species is classed as endangered. Desertification, where land turns into desert, caused by climate change, is leading to habitat loss and competition for food.

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