Seminole County

Central Florida Zoo’s radiated tortoises return to renovated habitat

SANFORD, Fla. — The Central Florida Zoo’s radiated tortoises moved into their majorly updated habitat on Wednesday.

The tortoises now have waterfront property with a babbling brook and luscious landscaping.

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Last week, zoo officials said local nurseries and pond builders from across the county worked together to pull together the new habitat for the radiated tortoises.

According to the zoo, radiated tortoises, which are native to southern Madagascar, are extremely vulnerable to habitat loss as suitable habitat continues to be converted to other uses, such as charcoal production.

Read: Orphaned manatees to return to Florida after receiving treatment in Ohio

Zoo officials said the species is also highly desirable as a pet and food source, and an estimated 45,000 are harvested every year.

Read more about the tortoises here.

Photos: Central Florida Zoo’s radiated tortoises return to renovated habitat

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Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.