Como Zoo Conservatory

1225 Estabrook Drive Saint Paul, MN 55103

Galapagos Tortoise

Species: Chelonoidis nigra
Geographic Range: Galapagos Islands
Size: 4 feet long, 475 pounds
Lifespan: over 150 years
Conservation Status: Endangered

Como’s Galaps
Find them near the Bird Yard (on display seasonally) Map

Fun Facts

  • The oldest tortoise on record lived to be 152 years old.
  • Galapagos tortoises nap for 16 hours a day.
  • Galapagos tortoises can survive up to 1 year without eating or drinking.
  • Darwin’s finch and some mockingbirds have a unique relationship with Galapagos tortoises. Tortoises will stretch out and leave their legs and necks exposed so that these birds can eat the ticks off their bodies.