Keeper Experiences

Giant Galapagos Tortoise Experience

Come meet the true GIANTS of the tortoise world…

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.  Galapagos tortoises are not only the largest living tortoise species, but are also some of 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.

 

 

Since 2019 Crocodiles of the World have partnered with Galapagos Conservation Trust (GCT), the only UK charity to focus exclusively on Galapagos. GCT delivers projects that protect the iconic but threatened Galapagos giant tortoise, among many other species. You too can support Galapagos tortoise conservation by participating in our Giant Galapagos Tortoise Experience. We donate £3 from every experience purchased to GCT to help wild populations of Galapagos tortoises. We are hoping to raise over £1500 for GCT each year from these experiences.

 

You can also donate to Galapagos Conservation Trust via the money-spinner collection box near the Galapagos tortoise enclosure or by visiting their website here.

 

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 as they walk about, interact with each other or have a soak in their pool.
  • Discover where they are from, their diet, individual personalities about the conservation of this species.
  • All participants will receive a special commemorative certificate.

Terms and conditions / Experience info

 

  • 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 bio-secure wellies and powder-free nitrile gloves. These must be worn for health and safety reasons.
  • Maximum of 6 participants per experience. Children must be at least 5 years of age to participate and must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults that are not also booked on the experience need to pay normal zoo admission prices and must remain outside of but by the enclosure for the duration of the experience.
  • Participants must listen to the keeper at all times. Your safety as well as the welfare of all animals is our main 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. 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.