African Spurred Tortoise

Edward munches on food next to a young visitor

One African spurred tortoise lives at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo. Keep reading to learn more about his history and species!

African Spurred Tortoise Fun Facts

  • The African spurred tortoise is found in Northern Africa, specifically the Southern Sahara Desert. 
  • Their life expectancy is 150 years!
  • In hot areas, they make burrows and shelter from the heat during the day.
  • The third largest tortoise in the world after the Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises.
  • They are fully mature at 15 years old and can weigh up to 200lbs.
  • Sulcata tortoises are herbivores. Diet consists of hay, grasses, and plants--high in fiber and very low in protein.
  • These tortoises get excited when it rains.

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo African Spurred Tortoise

A close up of Edward the African spurred tortoise    

Edward

Edward was born on March 18, 2000. He was donated to the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo by a private citizen. If you're lucky you might find Edward outside of his exhibit! On warm days when he's feeling extra rambunctious, Animal Care Specialist Lee might be escorting Edward around the museum and zoo. And sometimes it's on a skateboard! 

That's right, the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo has a skateboarding tortoise. When Edward is stoked to shred, he may decide to get on it and cruise around the zoo. Not only does he find it stimulating, but it helps him to get places faster, especially in the early morning when he's still dreaming about sweet, sweet prickly pears. Everywhere Edward goes, he's a popular ambassador for his species. 

 

 

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