The Sulcata Tortoise, or African spurred tortoise is the third largest tortoise in the world. They can be found in the southern Sahara Desert region in Africa where they live in semi-arid grasslands and savannahs. Male sulcata tortoises can reach up to 90kg in weight when they are fully grown. They can live for approximately 80-100 years old. They get the name ‘spurred tortoise’ from the spikes or spurs visible on their hind legs. These huge tortoises can dig large burrows for themselves to submerge in to avoid the extreme heat. They are herbivores, consuming many grasses, flowers, cacti and shrubs. Sulcata tortoises are mostly solitary, meaning they live alone, and only come together for mating during the breeding season. Sulcata tortoises are currently classed as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN.
The famous Toby the Tortoise:
Toby is our beloved 13-year-old sulcata tortoise with a big personality! Known at Secret Valley as being somewhat of a diva, he loves being the centre of attention. He can often be seen slowly strutting his stuff in his new walk-through enclosure, soaking up the sun or out grabbing a bite to eat (although some days he prefers to lounge in his bed – he is a teenager after all).
