Zoo Memories Trail: Giant Tortoises • Paignton Zoo

Buy
Tickets

Online
Shop

Ongoing updates and improvements

Find out more

Tickets Newsletter Shop

Donate

From giraffes to giants

The giant tortoises’ current home was originally used to house our giraffe. Paignton’s first giraffe arrived in 1968 and it wasn’t until 1997 that they moved to their current home. After they moved, the enclosure was used for barbary sheep before being renovated again for our Aldabran tortoises.

old giraffe enclosure2 — ^{The original giraffe house still stands today.}

^{This area is now mostly grassland for our giant tortoises to enjoy.}

old giraffe enclosure 70s — ^{The giraffes had a great view of baboon rock.}

barbary sheep edited — ^{Barbary sheep moved in for a while before the Aldabran tortoises took up residence.}