We’re building a new home for our Giant Tortoises. Their exhibit will be closed from Tuesday 6 May 2025 and our Tortoise trio, George, Sheldon and Darwin, will remain off-show while construction work takes place. The Giant Tortoises will be back on show in a couple of months in their brand new facility (which will still be in front of the Manor House). We will keep you updated via our social media.
In the meantime, we have four other Tortoise and Turtle species at the Park to see:
Radiated Tortoise
Hermann’s Tortoise
Our Radiated Tortoises and Hermann’s Tortoises share the same large outdoor enclosure between the Bat House and the Reptile House. Hermann’s Tortoises have an excellent sense of time and direction, allowing them to move from their sheltered hiding places to find food and bask in the sun at the correct time for the maximum benefit. The Radiated Tortoise was once venerated and protected by local villagers but is now under serious threat in its natural range and are classified as “Critically Endangered” in the wild. Our animals are part of a European Breeding Programme.
Pancake Tortoises
African Pancake Tortoise. Its name comes from the shape of its shell, which is flattened and flexible. Unlike most tortoises, which pull their limbs into their shell when threatened, the Pancake runs for cover. It is thought to be the fastest Tortoise species. Visitors can see our Pancake Tortoises, also classified as “Critically Endangered” in their exhibit inside Little Africa.
Yellow Striped Box Turtle. These inquisitive chelonians are on show in their exhibit in the Reptile House (opposite the Yacare Caiman). Only one other zoological collection in the UK keeps this rare species. Yellow Striped Box Turtles have poor hearing, a good sense of vision and smell, but mostly use touch to communicate. Box Turtles are named after their domed shell, which is hinged at the bottom, allowing the animal to close its shell tightly to deter predators.
Giant Tortoise facts
Hugely popular with staff and visitors alike, Giant Tortoise George is the oldest and longest resident at the Cotswold Wildlife Park. Although his exact age is unknown, we believe him to be approximately 89 years old. We’ve included an archive photo below of George with a Hermann’s Tortoise on his head, showing the great difference in size between the two tortoise species.
