Keeper Experiences

Giant Galapagos Tortoise Experience

Come meet the true GIANTS of the tortoise world…

 

 

* PLEASE NOTE: You can book online now for this experience which will have a maximum of four particpants! If you would like to book for a group of up to six people from the same household/bubble you can do this, but will need to contact the zoo.

 

Crocodiles of the World is the ONLY zoo in the UK where you can enjoy a Giant Galapagos tortoise experience  and meet the largest living species of tortoise in the world.  You’ll enter our Galapagos tortoise enclosure and meet our gentle giants! Our fully grown male Dirk is the largest tortoise in the UK and he lives alongside his three female companions Zuzu, Isabella and Charlie.  These are not only the largest tortoise species, but also the most endangered. Our Giants may look familiar as they all featured on Channel 5’s Big Week at the Zoo and our females were regulars on Channel 4’s Secret Life of the Zoo.



*Please note that this is only suitable for children aged 5 years and over.

 

Are you buying this experience as a gift? If you don’t want to book a date you can buy a keeper experience gift voucher by clicking here,then  just pick the experience from the list and the recipient can phone and book their experience with us.

Zoo admission is included in the price for the participant. Normal admission tickets are required for accompanying adults and children.

To avoid disappointment we do advise that you pre-book your place, but subject to availability you may be able to upgrade your ticket on the day at our admissions desk.

 

By taking part in this experience you will be supporting Crocodiles of the World’s vital conservation work.

 

 

In November 2019 Crocodiles of the World entered into an agreement to support the Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT). You too can support Galapagos Tortoise Conservation by participating in this experience. £3 from every experience purchased is donated to the GCT to help wild populations of Galapagos Tortoises. In 2020 we are hoping to raise over £2000 from these experiences.

 

Here’s a video to give you an insight into this amazing experience…

 

 

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Giant Galapagos Tortoise Experience
Giant Galapagos Tortoise Experience
Giant Galapagos Tortoise Experience

What’s included:

 

  • Your session will begin with a safety briefing
  • You will then enter the Tortoise enclosure with a zoo keeper for approx. 20-30 mins
  • Opportunity to stroke them and feed them their favourite snacks
  • Close interaction – watch them in their enclosure walking, swimming and communicating
  • Discover where they are from, their diet, individual personalities and their importance for conservation of this species.
  • All participants will receive a special commemorative certificate.

 

Pricing

Experience Price Bookings
Giant Galapagos Tortoise Experience  £40.00 Click here

 

Terms and conditions / Experience info (Updated July 2020 to include COVID19 restrictions)

 

  • General admission is included in the Tortoise keeper experience.
  • Participants should arrive at the meeting point 11am/or 3pm for a prompt start.
  • Appropriate closed toe footwear must be worn for this experience and you will be provided with wellies and powder free nitile gloves. These must be worn for health and safety reasons.
  • Maximum of 4 participants per experience (or 6 if from same household/bubble – please call to book). Children must be at least 5 years of age and be accompanied by an adult. Each adult needs to pay normal zoo admission prices and must remain by the enclosure throughout the duration of the experience.
  • A face mask is optional so will not be provided but you are welcome to wear your own face covering or mask for the experience.
  • Participants must listen to the keeper at all times. Your safety as well as the welfare of all animals is our upmost priority. The keeper can stop the encounter or ask participants to exit the tortoise enclosure at any time should they feel it necessary.
  • Disabilities: Participants with learning or visual impairment must be accompanied by a carer who takes full responsibility for the adherence of health and safety and welfare protocols. Accompanying carers can enter the enclosure but must not participate in the experience. Unfortunately there is currently no wheelchair access available for this experience.
  • People with illnesses affecting their immune system, pregnant or nursing women or women who have given birth in the last months cannot participate in the experience. 
  • Crocodiles of the World reserve the right to cancel the experience at any point for animal welfare reasons.

 

Cancellations:

 

  • If we receive notice of your cancellation or booking change more than 28 days in advance you will not lose any of the cost of your experience.
  • If we receive notice of your cancellation or booking change between 14 and 28 days in advance you will lose 50% of the cost of your experience.
  • If we receive notice of your cancellation or booking change less than 14 days in advance you will lose 100% of the cost of your experience.
  • In order to cover our costs, we will also charge an administrative fee of £10.00 for each cancelled or rebooked place

Any Questions?

If you have any questions, please read our FAQ page which may have the information you need. If you need any further assistance or have queries regarding your visit, please contact us.