Giant tortoises are long-lived reptiles with specific thermal, nutritional, and behavioral needs that must be carefully managed across decades of zoo care.
Giant tortoises in zoos face welfare challenges that unfold slowly over decades. Inadequate thermal gradients prevent natural thermoregulation; inadequate space limits locomotion and foraging behavior; and social isolation or incompatible groupings cause chronic stress. Their long lifespans mean welfare failures have extended consequences. Modern tortoise exhibits provide varied thermal zones, naturalistic substrates for digging and soaking, appropriate social groupings, and dietary variety. Zoos must also plan for institutional continuity given tortoises may outlive multiple generations of keepers.