Red-footed Tortoise
Chelonoidis carbonaria
Here at Banham Zoo
Meet our four curious red-footed tortoises, who call the Tropical House home. These tortoises stand out with their recognisable red scales and darker shells.
Reaching ages of 50 years or more, red-footed tortoises spend most of their days wandering around aimlessly and eating - it sounds rather nice, doesn't it? Found near the exit of the Tropical House, these tortoises enjoy the warmer atmosphere typically found in South America and the Caribbean islands.
Did you know? Red-footed tortoises are medium-sized, growing between 30 and 50cm in length.
Where Do I Live?
South America
Red-footed tortoises are found across South America in a variety of habitats such as dry forests, wet forests and grasslands. They are also found on the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad and Barbados.
What Do I Eat?
Red-footed tortoises feed on fruit and flowers and will also consume soil, sand, fungi and even carrion (dead meat). They are believed to be important seed dispersers for tropical plants such as figs and bromeliads.
How Do I Breed?
Between two and fifteen eggs are laid in a hollow dug by the female, which take four to six months to hatch. Hatchlings are around 4cm in length.
Together, we protect wildlife
Conservation status
Not Evaluated (NE)
Not yet assessed for extinction risk.
Red-footed tortoises are not believed to be endangered but have yet to be classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Some Helpful Links
Where is the
Red-footed Tortoise
located?
Our
Red-footed Tortoise
is located in our
Explorer Zone
, map reference
7
.
What’s the best time to see the animals?
The best time to see our animals is often during feeding times or in the cooler parts of the day when they are most active. Check our daily timetable for keeper talks and feeding sessions for an up-close look! Our habitat signage also includes helpful hints and tips to make the most of your visit.
How do you ensure the animals' welfare?
Animal welfare is our top priority. We provide species-specific habitats, enrichment activities, and expert veterinary care to ensure all our animals thrive.
