Police Investigate: 7 Aldabra Giant Tortoises Found Dead near Exeter – Breaking News!

Breaking News: Police Launch Investigation After Seven Giant Tortoises Found Dead in Woodland Near Exeter

In a shocking turn of events, seven giant tortoises have been discovered dead in a woodland near Exeter. The police are currently investigating the incident and are appealing to the public for any information that may help with their inquiries.

The bodies of two tortoises were initially found in Ashclyst Forest, located northeast of Exeter, on Monday, January 8. Five additional bodies were then discovered nearby on Friday, January 12. These reptiles are believed to be Aldabra giant tortoises, a species native to the Seychelles. They are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Devon and Cornwall Police are working diligently to identify the owners of the tortoises and determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths and disposal in the forest. This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in this area. In 2021, another Aldabra giant tortoise was found alive in the same forest. Unfortunately, despite being taken to a local vet, it later died. Interestingly, this tortoise was not microchipped.

Giant tortoises were once abundant on various islands in the western Indian Ocean. However, due to poaching by sailors, most species were driven to extinction. The Aldabra giant tortoise, with its remarkable ability to survive for long periods without water or food, was a valuable source of provisions during lengthy voyages.

Aldabra Island, part of the Seychelles, is now maintained as an uninhabited nature reserve and is home to a population of 100,000 to 150,000 Aldabra giant tortoises. These tortoises primarily feed on grasses, leaves, woody plant stems, fruit, and occasionally carrion or small invertebrates.

Aldabra tortoises, together with their distant relatives, the Galapagos giant tortoises, are the largest species of tortoise in the world. They have an impressive lifespan, with some individuals living for over 150 years. In fact, in 2005, a deceased Aldabra tortoise was found in India, and carbon-dating of its shell revealed it had reached the ripe old age of 255 years.

One sub-species of the Aldabra tortoise is believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, currently 191 years old. Named Jonathan, this tortoise was brought to St Helena from the Seychelles in 1882 and resides in the grounds of the governor’s mansion. Later this month, Prince Edward will have the opportunity to meet Jonathan during his visit to the island.

Adult male Aldabra giant tortoises can grow up to 4 feet in length and weigh as much as 770 pounds when kept in captivity. Despite their size, these tortoises are known for their gentle nature.

It is estimated that several thousand Aldabra giant tortoises are currently housed in zoos and private collections around the world. Paignton Zoo, located 31 miles south of Ashclyst Forest, is home to five of these tortoises. They were confiscated by Customs in 1986 after an illegal importation.

The police are urging anyone with information about these tortoises’ deaths to come forward. Additionally, they are interested in speaking with individuals who may have recently purchased a giant tortoise in the area or know someone who had a significant number of tortoises but now has fewer. Any information could prove crucial to the investigation.

As the investigation continues, the authorities remain dedicated to uncovering the truth behind this tragic incident. The wellbeing and conservation of these remarkable creatures are of utmost importance, and those responsible for their deaths must be held accountable.

In conclusion, the discovery of seven dead Aldabra giant tortoises in a woodland near Exeter has sparked a police investigation. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear, and the police are seeking the public’s assistance in shedding light on this distressing event..