George, the radiated tortoise   Scientific name:   Astrochelys radiata Animal Type:   Reptile Location:   Madagascar Conservation Status:   Critically Endangered Diet:   Fruit and plants       George loves to have his front legs tickled. He also stands upright on all four legs - quite a feat with such an enormous shell which is made up from over 60 small bones fused together.

George, the radiated tortoise

George is rather a grand gentleman approaching 100 years old. George was born in the wild and came to Jersey from Madagascar in 1976. As his species is one of the most sought after and therefore threatened breeds of tortoise in the world, any information we have learned from him plays a vital role in preventing this species from disappearing forever in his native homeland.

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Radiated tortoise Profile

Growing to a carapace length of up to 16 inches (41 cm) and weighing up to 35 pounds (16kg), the radiated tortoise is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful tortoises.

This tortoise has the basic ‘tortoise’ body shape, which consists of the high-domed carapace, a blunt head, and elephantine feet. The legs, feet, and head are yellow except for a variably sized black patch on top of the head. The shell is supplied with blood vessels and nerves so like other tortoises it can feel when being touched.

Radiated tortoises may live as long as 40 to 50 years.

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Threats and challenges to the radiated tortoise

Unfortunately these tortoises are severely endangered due to loss of habitat, being poached for food, and being over exploited in the pet trade. It is listed in CITES, which prohibits the import or export of the species under most conditions. However, due to the poor economic conditions of Madagascar, many of the laws are largely ignored

No estimates of wild populations are available, but their numbers are declining, and many authorities see the potential for a rapid decline to extinction in the wild.

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Durrell's involvement with the radiated tortoise

The radiated tortoise is among the world’s rarest tortoise, although not as rare as its very close cousin the Angonoka. For this reason the group of radiated tortoises here at Durrell wildlife park are vital in teaching us important husbandry methods for the Angonoka, information that could potentially save the species from extinction!

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Adoption packs

Adopters will receive an adoption folder containing the following based on George, the radiated tortoise:

What's included Bronze Silver Gold A certificate Photograph Fact sheet Birth certificate Animal stickers Two issues of our ‘On the Edge’ magazine per year Regular news via our electronic newsletter ‘eNews’ Complimentary ticket to visit Durrell wildlife park in Jersey Your name listed on our website - Updates about your animal per year - A chance to enjoy a tour with one of our experienced volunteer tour guides, and spend time with your animal and their keeper - - All for just £3 pm £10 pm £55 pm

*Per month

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Where will my radiated tortoise donation money go?

Our dedicated conservationists can continue to work tirelessly in threatened habitats in our strategic conservation areas of islands and highlands worldwide. They will also battle to protect and conserve as much wildlife as they can.

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Please pay for your adoption by Direct Debit if you can. Direct Debits are cheaper for us to administer, letting us spend more of your money on our vital conservation work. Direct Debits are also better for you because payments are made automatically and can be spread across the year and you won't be bothered with renewal forms. It will simply roll over until you request otherwise. However, you can make a single payment if you prefer.

Click here to view and print the direct debit payment form » » | or download it »

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