Giant tortoises settle into new habitat at Indy Zoo

Little Dot is 89 years old and one of five tortoises in the Aldabra exhibit.

Five Aldabra giant tortoises have arrived at their new exhibit space at The Indianapolis Zoo. Located next to Deserts, the new habitat includes a spacious outdoor yard for basking and exploring, including a mud wallow and a pool to support their natural behaviors. For cooler weather there will be an indoor retreat complete with another pool.

Aldabra tortoises are often described as “ancient” because the species has been around for more than 230 million years. They are one of the largest species of tortoises in the world as well as the longest living with an average life span of 150 years or more.

Before relocating to the new exhibit, the tortoises arrived in May 2025 from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, which had been caring for them during renovations. Two of the five tortoises are 92-year-old A.J. and 85-year-old Lyn St. James, who were at the Indianapolis Zoo from the 1960s until 2009. The other tortoises are 89-year-old Little Dot, 35-year-old Morla and 17-year-old Maude. A.J. is the oldest and largest, weighing about 515 pounds.

Zoo visitors also have the opportunity for a Meet & Greet with the tortoises in their habitat. Guided by a member of the Zoo team, participants will learn about Aldabra tortoises, discover how they can act to protect tortoise species right here in Indiana and even grab a “shell-fie” before they leave. 

All participants under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a paid adult participant. Children under 2 enter for free.

For more info, visit www.indianapoliszoo.com 

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