Some areas of the Zoo are CLOSED to allow us to prepare for our Halloween events. ... read more
Until 3rd November, there will be restricted access at Bears of the Rising Sun (lower viewing) and our Elephant Bushwalk will be closed.
From 14th October 2024, our Woodland Hollow will be closed.
Our Walking Giants habitat consists of both an indoor area for those chilly days, and a large outdoor area for when the weather is warm, as they enjoy soaking up the sun.
This habitat has been redeveloped in memory of leading aviculturist and friend of Colchester Zoo, Raymond Sawyer.
Aldabra giant tortoises have enormous domed shells acting as armour to protect their bodies. African spurred tortoises have very thick skin to help prevent them from losing too much moisture which is very important in such a hot and dry climate.
Tortoise shells can be
88cm
in length
Tortoises can drink
15%
of their bodyweight
Tortoises can live for
100 years
in the wild
They reach maturity at
30
years old
Animals in Walking Giants
African Spurred Tortoise
Centrochelys sulcata
From: Africa
Status: Endangered
Quick Fact: The African spurred tortoise gets its name from the two or three large spurs on its legs.
Find me in: Walking Giants
Reptiles
Aldabra Giant Tortoise
Geochelone gigantea
From: Seychelles
Status: Vulnerable
Quick Fact: During the heat of the day, this species can be found in underground burrows, which they dig themselves.
Find me in: Walking Giants
Reptiles
Adopt an animal at Colchester Zoo
You will be helping to fund our work, as well as our charity, Colchester Zoological Society, which assists conservation projects all over the world!
