Tortoise Shell-ter is a naturalistic sanctuary offering optimum conditions for our chelonian collection to breed and display their natural behaviour. Here, you can learn about our ‘shell-ebrities’ - some of the world’s rarest tortoises - and ongoing conservation efforts to increase their numbers.
Highlights
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1 1"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Replicating natural habitats
The seven rock-walled enclosures that make up Tortoise Shell-ter were designed to provide the highest standards of animal welfare for our chelonian collection. To recreate the animals’ natural habitats, much thought went into planning and sourcing for the specific plants needed. Each climate-controlled micro-habitat comes replete with special lighting, heating with temperature gradient and humidity control, creating the ideal home away from home for their inhabitants.
Inter-species harmony
The tortoises share their homes with other reptiles, including panther chameleons, veiled chameleons and knob-tail geckos. These species were hand-picked for their compatibility with the chelonians and keepers monitor to ensure the harmony is maintained. The resultant inter-species interaction is what the tortoises would experience naturally in the wild and serves as a form of enrichment for them, while providing a more varied viewing experience for guests.
Asian Box Turtle
Its hinged plastron (shell underside) allows it to close its shell completely, protecting their head, limbs, and soft body parts when threatened.
Burmese star tortoise
Deemed functionally extinct in the 2000s. We work with conservation partners to reestablish wild populations in its native home - Myanmar.
Indian Star Tortoise
Its star-patterned shell helps with camouflage, and males often battle rivals by flipping them over.
Ploughshore tortoise
Males use their plough-shaped shell tip to ram and flip rivals during courtship battles.
Radiated tortoise
Its shell has fine yellow starbursts and sensitive nerves—it can feel when you touch it!
