Galapagos Tortoises

Olddog

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Chelonoidis nigra - Pasture Rotation (photo intensive)

After moving a mixed group of Galapagos tortoises (Chelonoidis nigra) to a different pasture, it is interesting to note how different tortoises exhibit different behaviors and preferences.

Tortoises were moved 6-12 days prior to the following photos. They were placed in a rhomboid irregularly shaped 3 acre pasture transected by a shallow ditch containing water. Fresh water is suppled at two sites approximately 350 feet apart. Supplemental feeding is intermittently provided along one of the fence lines. The pasture had not been mowed in over a year. Grass was initially thick, of varying types and heights except where toxic weeds had been removed. Shaded areas have less undergrowth. Tortoises have disbursed in varying patterns, somewhat related to age, size and sex. The following groups of photos may illustrate same. Young males were scattered thruout in the first 48 hours. More mature females wander to the feeding area in am but sleep in a number of different areas.
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One of the two faucets and water bowels near initial relaese area. Grass pretty well leveled.

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Tuscon standing for a neck rub.

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Olddog

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Chelonoidis nigra - Pasture Rotation (photo intensive) (continued 3)

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Grass with Boston fern-like growth acceptable.

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Bracken ferns - All parts consider toxic.

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Feeding area looking toward 2nd running water source.

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Olddog

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Chelonoidis nigra - Pasture Rotation (photo intensive) (continued 7)

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Feeding area.

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Olddog

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Enclosure Rotation, Galapagos tortoises - Sampson's crew

For Sampson's group, a fence had to be strengthened and a gate placed such that they could meander to a different pasture with more grass. This is a relatively small area which will quickly be leveled.
They will be allowed to mow a different area in a few days. Piles of dead tree limbs and debris remain in enclosures but burn permits are not being issued.

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Badly deformed shell but she manages. This is felt to be a direct result of too high a protein diet in her first two years.
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Sampson browsing.
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Sampson post neck rub.
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Olddog

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Missing banana tree. Who me?

Sampson and crew apparently bulldozed a banana tree and were enjoying a little snack. When asked who did it, none volunteered an answer. Note the banana tree strip in Sampson's mouth.

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Apologies for the operator incompetence.
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Olddog

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Love love the photos. And you have really beautiful tortoises.

Thank you! This group of tortoises is very special, each with a unique personality. As long as forum members like the photos, will probably continue to share as time permits. If the material becomes too repetitive or boring, will stop. Many of these magnificent animals are like family, (some like three year old children). My pleasure to share.

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Diego waking up.
 

CarolM

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Thank you! This group of tortoises is very special, each with a unique personality. As long as forum members like the photos, will probably continue to share as time permits. If the material becomes too repetitive or boring, will stop. Many of these magnificent animals are like family, (some like three year old children). My pleasure to share.

View attachment 243110
Diego waking up.
Share away. We love them. And your tortoises are so lovable. Love the fact that they actually come to you for a neck rub. Maybe one day my little ones (compared to yours) will do that.:D
 

Olddog

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Sleeping in the water.

Herb's harem has not been moved to another pasture due to unburned burn piles. This does not deter Herb from attempting to breed. Most evenings the tortoises will sleep in water which likely helps with mosquitos. There is a bat house full of bats with young in the adjoining enclosure which likely mitigates the mosquito bites.

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Maro2Bear

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Thank you! This group of tortoises is very special, each with a unique personality. As long as forum members like the photos, will probably continue to share as time permits. If the material becomes too repetitive or boring, will stop. Many of these magnificent animals are like family, (some like three year old children). My pleasure to share.

View attachment 243110
Diego waking up.


Share away.... never gets old!
 
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