75-year-old tortoise at Battle Creek zoo getting home makeover to allow more time outdoors

Zoo officials say donations totaling $75,000 from Bob and Ellie DeVries, W.K. Kellogg Foundation will provide new digs for an Aldabra tortoise named Al

Published On: Aug 03 2012 06:31:16 AM EDT
Binder Park Zoo tortoise
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -

A giant tortoise at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek is getting a home makeover.

Zoo officials said Thursday that donations totaling $75,000 from Bob and Ellie DeVries and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will provide new digs for an Aldabra tortoise named Al.

He's believed to be about 75 years old. He has lived at the zoo since 1984, and his exhibit area hasn't been renovated since then. The exhibit area isn't heated, so when the weather gets too cool, he must be housed elsewhere.

Al's renovated space will include a heated shelter and a new pool, so he will be able to spend more time outdoors. He'll be on exhibit when daytime temperatures reach 50 degrees.

The Aldabra tortoise is native to an Indian Ocean island chain.

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