Aldabra giant tortoises are long-lived reptiles whose welfare in captivity depends on appropriate thermal gradients, substrate, social grouping, and dietary variety.
Aldabra tortoises present specific welfare challenges in temperate-climate zoos. As ectotherms, they require access to warm basking areas (30-35°C surface temperature) and cooler retreats to thermoregulate behaviourally — failure to provide adequate thermal gradients causes chronic immune suppression and metabolic bone disease. Substrate matters: hard concrete prevents natural claw wear while soft soil and grass encourage natural foraging behaviour. Social grouping is welfare-relevant: isolated individuals show reduced activity and feeding; small stable groups with adequate space allow normal hierarchical interactions without chronic aggression. Diet should replicate wild variety — supplementing hay with seasonal fruit, flowers, and vegetables prevents nutritional monotony. In sanctuaries on Aldabra and Mauritius, semi-wild management with minimal human contact produces the best long-term health outcomes.