At Monkey Haven: This is Freddie the Spur-Thighed Tortoise – he makes occasional star appearances at our Keeper Talks, which are held throughout the day. Please ask to see him if you want to say hello!
The lowdown: The Spur-Thighed (or Greek) Tortoise is found in places including North Africa, Southern Europe and Southwest Asia.
Diet: They like lots of leafy green salad plus weeds like dandelions and a bit of veg, such as carrots and peppers.
Fast facts:
- These tortoises are often snatched from the wild and traded as pets (even though that’s illegal).
- Tortoises don’t climb but they do like to dig. They are active during the day.
- Tortoises hibernate during winter (for usually 1-3 months).
