Radiated Tortoises ~
The radiated tortoise is an endangered species of tortoise with a highly domed carapace (top portion of shell) from arid shrublands and woodlands of southern Madagascar. In the wild, this species is a heavy grazer, spending most of its time eating grasses, with the occasional consumption of fruits or cacti. Radiated tortoises have been documented to live for over 180 years!
Unfortunately, heavy poaching of the radiated tortoise for food and the pet trade, as well as habitat loss have led to the species becoming critically endangered with strong potential for extinction in the wild. The Good Zoo participates in the radiated tortoise Species Survival Plan breeding program with other Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institutions to ensure a sustainable population of this rare species in human care.
At the zoo, we care for a brother and sister radiated tortoise group. We feed them a tortoise biscuit as well as a vitamin supplemented salad of greens, carrots, yams, peppers, and apples. For enrichment, the tortoises like new shelters to rest in, different basking spots and substrates, and red treats like strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, watermelon, and prickly pear cactus fruit!