It’s a monumental day for Estrella, the beloved Galapagos tortoise at the Australian Reptile Park, as she hits the big 2-4! That’s right, this birthday girl is officially 24 years old, and the party was nothing short of tortoise-tastic!
The star of the day was a cake fit for a queen, made entirely from her favourite snacks—juicy watermelon, kiwi, and berries. The cake Presented by Keeper Annika, Estrella took her time savouring her birthday treat, but not before letting her boyfriend Hugo share the birthday spirit.
For Galapagos tortoises, fruits are a rare and sweet treat, with their usual menu consisting of grass, vegetation, tree bark, and cacti. So, this fruity feast was a birthday wish come true! After enjoying her cake, Estrella set off on her daily stroll, soaking up love and pats from visitors who came to celebrate her big day.
Estrella’s journey to the Australian Reptile Park is just as remarkable as she is. Back in 2019, the Park’s famous male tortoise, Hugo, was put on Tinder (yes, that Tinder!) to find a mate. Fast forward through a global pandemic, and Estrella traveled all the way from Zoo Rostock in Germany to meet her match in October 2021. Since then, Hugo and Estrella have been an inseparable dream team.
Keeper Annika Barker says, “Estrella is anything but your average tortoise. She’s got a big personality and greets everyone with the most charming smile! It’s impossible not to fall in love with her. Oh, and if you haven’t given her shell a rub, did you really visit the Australian Reptile Park?”
Visitors can catch Estrella and Hugo every day during the school holidays or join them on their leisurely walks. For those looking for an even closer encounter, the Park offers a Behind the Scenes tour where you can meet the famous pair, feed them, and, of course, give them plenty of pats.
