Two new pancake tortoises move into Dudley Zoo
Two new pancake tortoises are settling into the reptile house of Dudley Zoo – and are a brand new species for the attraction.
So-called because of their unique looking pancake flat shell, the breeding pair, who are native to Tanzania and Kenya have relocated from Bristol Zoo.
Curator Richard Brown said: “Pancake tortoises are classed as a vulnerable species in the wild, due to habitat loss and threats by the illegal pet trade, so we’re delighted to have a breeding pair here at Dudley Zoo.”
Unlike other tortoise species pancake tortoises can run fast. Plus, their shell is flexible, which allows them to climb and wedge themselves tightly into rock crevices.
Spot them in the first enclosure directly in front of the reptile house entrance – visitors can easily identify them, curators have said, as the female tortoise has a flatter shell than the male and it looks like she is wearing earmuffs.
