New Giant Tortoise House Opens at Hanover Adventure Zoo

(eap) After an 18-year absence, giant tortoises can once again be seen at Germany’s Hanover Adventure Zoo. Yesterday, following nine months of construction, the zoo opened its new heated house, “Reptilium”, which is now home to four Aldabra giant tortoises. In 2008, the zoo had to part with the animals because their former enclosure had become outdated and had to make way for the plans for the then newly developing “Yukon Bay” themed area. The zoo and the Hanover region jointly invested around 1.6 million euros in the new Reptilium. Zoo visitors also contributed through donations, with small and large contributions adding up to a total of 46,000 euros.

“The return of the giant tortoises was and remains a matter very close to our hearts,” says Zoo Managing Director Andreas M. Casdorff. He continues: “We are delighted, in every sense of the word, to have the tortoises back here. It is a very special moment for the entire zoo team.”

The 240-square-meter “Reptilium” provides ideal conditions for the giant tortoises. The fully glazed heated house covers around 240 square meters and provides optimal conditions for the Aldabra giant tortoises. Their natural habitat is limited to a small number of islands in the Indian Ocean. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the species as vulnerable. Inside the new Reptilium, temperatures range between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels of 60 to 80 percent. Sand areas and bathing facilities complement the enclosure. During the summer months, the tortoises can also spend time outdoors in a large grass-covered area of the “Zoologicum”, which is directly connected to the heated house.

A total of four animals have moved into the new facility. For the past 18 years, “Cassiopeia”, “Romina”, “Bert” and “Leopold” had been housed at Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, whose team Zoo Director Casdorff extends his sincere thanks to. ■