The Australian Reptile Park’s beloved Galapagos tortoise, Estrella, has received a clean bill of health following her annual health check.
The 23-year-old tortoise was taken to Somersby Animal Hospital by dedicated keepers and eagerly greeted by hospital staff with pats and scratches.
Estrella slowly but surely made her way to the large scales and came in at a 67.6kg.
Since she is only 23 years old, the tortoise has a lot more growing to do and eventually could weigh more than 100kg once she’s reached her full size.
It is important that Estrella’s growth and health is monitored and recorded as reptiles rarely show signs of deteriorating health unless they are monitored very closely.
Dr Kat from Somersby Animal Hospital checked Estrella’s shell, limbs and head for any signs of abnormalities or health concerns.
She was found to be in excellent condition, with no signs of damage or deterioration.
Reptiles keeper Imogen Hall said it was important to ensure Estrella continued to remain in good health.
Estrella has quickly become one of the most popular animals since she arrived at the Australian Reptile Park in October 2021, after matching with the Park’s famous tortoise Hugo on Tinder.
The Galapagos tortoise’s diet consists of any green vegetation they can find, along with fibrous vegetation such as grass, tree bark and cacti.
At the Australian Reptile Park, Estrella and Hugo eat carrots, bamboo stalks, hibiscus leaves and flowers, lucerne hay and other foods that are high in fibre with the odd piece of watermelon as a treat.
The life span of the Galapagos tortoise is exceptionally long compared to other animals.
Australia’s oldest Galapagos tortoise on record, Harriet, passed away at in 2006 at the age of 175.
Visitors can see Estrella at the Australian Reptile Park every day and accompany her on her daily walks of the main park area.
Or they can book a Behind the Scenes tour where they get to meet Hugo and Estrella in their enclosure, feed them and give them both lots of neck scratches.