At Hole 7 of Tamarina Golf, golfers and visitors will encounter two extraordinary residents – Aldabra giant tortoises. Slow-moving yet full of character, these gentle giants are among the oldest living species on Earth and carry with them a remarkable story of resilience, history, and conservation.
From the Seychelles to Mauritius
The Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) is native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles. In the late 1800s, Mauritius had already lost its native tortoises to extinction. Scientists, including Charles Darwin, advocated for Aldabra tortoises to be introduced to Mauritius to restore the ecological roles once played by local species – grazing on vegetation, dispersing seeds, and shaping the landscape.
Their arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in Mauritius’ biodiversity story, where the tortoises became guardians of ecosystems that might otherwise have been lost.
A Longstanding Home at Casela
Casela Nature Park has been home to Aldabra tortoises for decades. So long, in fact, that even animal keepers with more than 30 years of service cannot pinpoint their exact arrival. Over time, Casela has also become a refuge for tortoises entrusted by private owners unable to care for them.
One particularly memorable tale unfolded in 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, when a determined tortoise managed to escape its enclosure. With surprising agility, it climbed its way up to Cavalia – some 200 metres higher than Casela itself – reminding everyone that “slow and steady” can still mean adventurous.
Fascinating Traits of Aldabra Tortoises
These giants are living marvels of evolution.
• Longevity: Many live over 100 years; males can weigh up to 300 kg and measure 1.25 metres in length.
• Surprising agility: Despite their size, they are capable climbers.
• Unique shells: Each has a distinct pattern, with shells sensitive to touch due to nerve endings.
• Unusual hydration: They absorb water not only by drinking but also through their nostrils and even their rectum.
• Diet: Primarily herbivores, they enjoy foliage but can display opportunistic feeding habits in the wild.
At Casela, visitors often meet these tortoises up close, sometimes feeding them with carefully selected greens. Their calm and approachable nature makes them especially beloved by children.
More Than Gentle Giants
Aldabra tortoises are not just remarkable animals; they are ambassadors for conservation. Their presence in Mauritius symbolises resilience and survival while also serving as a reminder of what humanity has lost – and what can still be protected.
At Casela, they play an active role in environmental education, helping visitors understand the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect endangered species.
Why at Tamarina ?
Hosting two Aldabra tortoises at Hole 7 is more than a novelty – it reflects a commitment to balance and harmony between leisure and nature. Their presence is a living reminder that golf, conservation, and storytelling can coexist beautifully.
So the next time you reach Hole 7, pause for a moment. Watch as these giants move gracefully across the landscape, carrying centuries of history on their backs, and remember the timeless lesson they embody: in nature, endurance is its own form of greatness.