Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Aldabra Tortoise
Geochelechone gigantea
Losing Giants: Seafarers visiting the remote island homes of giant tortoises inadvertently left trouble behind. Goats they released to feed future voyagers overgrazed the vegetation, leaving tortoises little to eat. Introducing pigs, and rats that jumped ship, destroyed tortoise nests and ate hatchlings. By 1850, few giant tortoises species survived.
Natural Diet: Primarily grasses and other vegetation occasional carrion (dead animals).
Reproduction: Female digs shallow nest to lay four to 15 eggs. Male makes a deep groaning mating call: listen for it!
Status: Wild population is around 150,000.
Weight: Up to 180 kg (400 lb)
Range: Aldabra atoll, and the Seychelle Islands (introduced) of the Indian Oceans
Habitat Grassland, scrub, and mangrove swamps
Erected by Smithsonian Institution.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 38° 55.793′ N, 77° 2.862′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Smithsonian National Zoo. Marker is on Olmsted Walk. On the grounds of the Smithsonian National Zoological Garden. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Where Did The Portico Go? (a few steps from this marker); The Nut Seekers (a few steps from this marker); Saving Chinese Alligators From Extinction (within shouting distance of this marker); Close Call (within shouting distance of this marker); Komodo Dragons at the National Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker); The O-Line (within shouting distance of this marker); Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (within shouting distance of this marker); What's the O-Line? (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 17, 2017
2. Weather damaged marker on the other side of the exhibit
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 158 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on December 20, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on December 17, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
