THE CHRONICLE (Toowoomba, Australia) 28 December 13 Zoo relying on new arrivals for future breeding (Nick Houghton)
Darling Downs Zoo's newest residents have finally settled into their new home with staff calling it one the most significant moments in the zoo's history
The 10 aldabra giant tortoises have moved into their enclosures after spending three months in quarantine.
They currently weigh about 6kg each, but will grow more than a metre in length and weigh up to 250kg by the time they are 25.
Originating from Mauritius, aldabra giant tortoises are the only remaining tortoise species out of 18 species that once lived in that part of the world.
The zoo will breed from the tortoises, which has not happened in Australia since the 1970s.
While they are still too young to breed, Darling Downs Zoo is happy with the way the tortoises have settled into their new surroundings.
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