Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea)
Turtles & tortoises · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) (origin: The Aldabra Atoll (the Seychelles)). Adult size around Carapace length: females approx. 90 cm (up to about 160 kg), males up to approx. 122 cm (up to 250 kg). Life expectancy 80–150 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Aldabra giant tortoise: How big does the enclosure need to be?
A heated enclosure from 40 m² plus an outdoor pen.
Aldabra giant tortoise: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–32 °C, basking spot 38 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Aldabra giant tortoise: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %) or keeping them outdoors.
Aldabra giant tortoise: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 80–150 years.
Aldabra giant tortoise: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 38 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %) or keeping them outdoors
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- a heated enclosure from 40 m² plus an outdoor pen
- Substrate
- Soil and sand, grassy areas, a mud wallow, a large shelter
Feeding
- Food
- Grasses, herbs, leaves, fruit in moderation – purely plant-based
- Feeding interval
- plant food daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- Carapace length: females approx. 90 cm (up to about 160 kg), males up to approx. 122 cm (up to 250 kg)
- Life expectancy
- 80–150 years
- Origin
- The Aldabra Atoll (the Seychelles)
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- A group given enough space. Two males harass each other and the females; under constant courtship a female visibly loses condition. One male to several females, and plan for a way to separate them.
Notes
It reaches weights of over 200 kg and an age that makes keeping it a task across generations – succession should be settled contractually. It needs a heatable winter house and a large summer outdoor enclosure. Not one for a terrarium.
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Related species
- Asian forest tortoise (Manouria emys) – Intermediate to expert
- Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota) – Intermediate
- Forsten's tortoise (Indotestudo forstenii) – Expert
- Chaco tortoise (Chelonoidis chilensis) – Intermediate
- Elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) – Intermediate
- Gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) – Expert
- Impressed tortoise (Manouria impressa) – Expert
- Red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (a heated enclosure from 40 m² plus an outdoor pen), substrate (Soil and sand, grassy areas, a mud wallow, a large shelter), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: EUR-Lex VO (EU) 2026/1383, Wikipedia DE, Wikipedia EN, eu_annex.txt (lokal), gesetze-im-internet.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).