Zoo's 'much-loved' tortoise dies

A giant tortoise, who was more than 100 years old, and a "much-loved resident" at a zoo, has died.

Jersey Zoo said Biggy, the Aldabra giant tortoise, was taken to the Royal Veterinary College for specialist CT scans for a reoccurring health issue.

The zoo said despite efforts from its veterinary team the growth around his backside returned after two previous surgeries.

It said any further operations would have risked causing permanent damage to the tortoise, and after consideration staff "made the heartbreaking decision to put Biggy to sleep to prevent further pain".

It said: "Estimated to be over 100 years old, and weighing almost 200kg, Biggy was Jersey Zoo's biggest resident, and much-loved by visitors, staff and volunteers."

Ciaran Westgate, Jersey Zoo's curator of herpetology and invertebrates, said: "Although Biggy has only been with us for just shy of four years, he has very quickly become a popular member of the Jersey Zoo family for staff, volunteers and visitors alike.

"The team and I have worked very closely with Biggy during this time, and we are all incredibly sad to have to make this decision, but we know it is the kindest thing for Biggy."

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