IMPORTANT UPDATE

16 January 2024

   Further to todays distressing news stories that 7 Aldabra Giant Tortoises have recently  been found dead in the woodlands North East of Exeter. We would like to reassure anyone who is interested, or concerned, that despite some of the news feeds featuring a picture of our Big guy Samson, it is not him who is one of the victims. 

   Please be assured that Samson and the rest of his friends are all alive and well, safely snuggled under their heat lamps, at home.

   If there is anyone out there who is experiencing difficulties looking after their Aldabras, for whatever reason. Please do not be afraid to reach out for help, either to us, the authorites or an animal charity.

Brumation

   Aldabra and Sulcata tortoises are not a species of tortoise that hibernate over winter, however, they can go into something known as Brumation, during winter, which is a phase just shy of actual hibernation. Basically it means they are not as deeply asleep as those hibernating but they have still shut their body functions down to minimal levels to preserve energy, in Aldabra this is about 8 beats a minute. This usually happens when it is too cold or dismal for them to venture outside and they will just sit quietly in a deep doze throughout the day and they will not be eating much, if anything. However, hibernating and Brumating animals are still alive, and although their heart level will be much slower than usual, it will still be beating.

Very important to note:

   During this natural Brumation, a tortoise can have its head and legs right out and positioned at uncomfortable and unnatural, looking angles, and frankly they can look dead. They do not always huddle tightly into their shell, like a poorly tortoise would.

   However,

**THEY ARE NOT DEAD, THEY ARE STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE, JUST IN A DORMANT STATE.**

   They will be slower to respond to stimulation such as touch or sound. If one animal in the group is behaving in this manor then the rest of the group will also follow suit, to varying degrees. It is important to note that tortoises do not do this every year, they are often influenced by the weather outside, and it can be quite a shock when you find a slow responsive tortoise for the first time. Your mind automatically assumes the worst.

**PLEASE DO NOT IMMEDIATELY ASSUME THEY ARE DEAD AND DISPOSE OF THEM.**

   Put a mirror, or a feather, in front of their nose to see if there are signs of breathing, however infrequent.

   An increase in the UV light availability will help them to slowly come out of it. Leave their lamps on for longer, than just daylight hours, to help simulate summertime day length. UV light promotes stimulation and a desire to eat and move around more.

   Brumation can affect all species of tortoise as well as other reptiles.