Hugo, the Australian Reptile Park’s resident endangered Galapagos Tortoise, will finally find true love when his German girlfriend Estrella makes it out of quarantine in mid-September.
The Reptile Park has been searching for Hugo’s perfect match for years and has finally been able to announce that Estella has arrived after travelling all the way from Zoo Rostock in Germany.
Estrella was due to arrive early in 2020, but due to complications in travel and COVID-19, it was put off until she could safely reach our shores.
Estrella has made it to the Australian Reptile Park but has to be held in mandatory quarantine for three months meaning the date of their meeting is currently set for mid-September.
Daniel Rumsey, Head of Reptiles at the Australian Reptile Park said, “I couldn’t be more excited for Hugo.
“Estrella Is beautiful.
“We have always wanted to get Hugo a girlfriend to replace the ‘special’ rock he has in his enclosure.
“He’s got a bit of an extra bounce in his step now and we’re all counting down the days until the lovers can meet,” Rumsey said.
“Who knows, maybe within the next few years we will have some baby Galapagos tortoises.”
Hugo has called the Australian Reptile Park home since 1963 after arriving at the wildlife sanctuary as an infant.
He has now reached middle age (at the age of 70) and is ready to settle down.
At 181.6kg he is fully grown and one of the park’s most popular animals.
Visitors will be able to see Estrella when she is introduced to the Galapagos tortoise exhibit in September.
Source:
Media release, Jun 24
Australian Reptile Park