Just a few inches long, two Indian Star Tortoises hatched at
the Taronga Zoo in late October are already living life in the fast lane.  These normally slow-moving babies can really
hoof it when lunch is delivered at the zoo.

Once their meal of greens, veggies, and berries is placed
before them, the Tortoises climb into their food bowl.  Surrounded by their tasty treats, the
Tortoises start munching away. Hibiscus flowers are offered as a special delicacy.

Taronga Zoo has enjoyed recent success breeding Indian Star
Tortoises.  The zoo’s collection
includes five adults, a four-year-old, and a one-year-old, in addition to these
two new babies. 

Indian Star Tortoises are named for the striking black
markings on their high domed shells. 
Highly sought after for the exotic pet trade, populations of these
Tortoises are declining in their native India and Sri Lanka.  Because Indian Star Tortoises have low
reproduction rates, the Taronga Zoo’s breeding program is important to the
captive population. 

Photo Credit:  Taronga
Zoo