Aldabra tortoise News

Aldabra tortoises may be slow and steady, but they are also full of surprises! Did you know that they can live to be more than 150 years old, or that their shells are sensitive to the touch? Get to know these gentle giant from Reptile Discovery Center keeper Matt Neff.

There’s no better activity for a fall day in D.C. than a trip to the Zoo. Crowds are smaller, days are cooler and changing leaves bring a burst of color to the park.

The newest residents at Reptile Discovery Center are in no rush to grow up. The two 5-year-old Aldabra tortoises debuted in late September.

Reptile Discovery Center staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Alex, an elderly male Aldabra tortoise who was humanely euthanized Aug. 7. At the time of his death, animal care staff estimated Alex to be about 100 years old.