Surabaya, East Java (ANTARA) – The Surabaya Zoo has added four Aldabra giant tortoises to its collection through a partnership with Japan’s iZoo, marking the first time the century-old institution has housed the species.
The acquisition includes one male and three females imported from Shizuoka, Japan.
Native to the Seychelles’ Aldabra Atoll, the species ranks among the world’s largest land tortoises, trailing only the Galapagos tortoise.
“Since KBS opened, we have never had Aldabra tortoises. This is the first time we have brought them here,” said KBS Operations Director Nurika Widyasanti on Tuesday, using the zoo’s Indonesian acronym.
“The species will provide a new attraction and an educational opportunity to raise public awareness about wildlife and conservation.”
The male tortoise weighs approximately 109 kilograms and is estimated to be 40 years old.
The three females weigh between 80 and 90 kilograms each, with ages ranging between 25 and 30 years.
The species is renowned for its extreme longevity, frequently living over a century.
The animals arrived in Indonesia in mid-July 2026 and underwent mandatory quarantine and acclimatization before being unveiled to the public.
Officials confirmed the arrival is the first phase of an expanded exchange program with iZoo.
Future transfers are expected to bring Japanese macaques, giraffes, and red pandas to the East Java facility.
Translator: Indra S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2026