Egyptian tortoise conservation at Whipsnade
Thursday 2 June 2005
Whipsnade is getting ahead in the race to conserve the critically endangered Egyptian tortoise with an exciting new breeding facility
Located next to the Discovery Centre, this area has been opened which mimics the climatic conditions of their natural habitat in the North African desert regions. It also provides them with new hide caves and plenty of opportunities for what tortoises do best - sunbathing.
Victims of acute habitat loss and the illegal pet trade, the Egyptian tortoise is now critically endangered and could quite possibly be extinct in the wild within the next 20 years. These crusty creatures are part of the IUCN Turtle Survival Alliance breeding programme and although notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, keepers are hoping the tortoises will settle into their new home quickly and get on with what comes naturally!
Egyptian tortoises are a ShellShock campaign priority species – visit European Association of Zoos and Aquaria to learn more about this international campaign to save the world’s most threatened turtles and tortoises.
