Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is delighted to announce the opening of a new sanctuary for their population of Aldabra giant tortoises.

With 10 juvenile giant tortoises currently residing at the resort, their new home offers the growing titans more space with over 600 sqm, a pool, and elements of the natural environment they would find across Silhouette Island. The open-air area allows the tortoises to roam while also allowing guests a chance to see these rare animals like never before, in a habitat that mirrors their natural one while being safely protected until they are ready to be released. 

The Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) is an iconic and endemic species to the Seychelles; with wild tortoises roaming freely across the far side of Silhouette Island, as well as many other islands across the archipelago. In the wild Aldabrachelys gigantea can be found living alone or in a herd. These gentle giants can grow to sizes of over 1.5m in length, weighing over 300 kg and living up to 180 years and older - growing throughout their life, if favorable conditions permit.

Silhouette is designated as a National Park, the Island Conservation Society (ICS) along with the staff at Hilton Labriz continue to work together to educate guests on the Aldabra giant tortoise, inviting visitors to learn about the myriad of wild animals and plants that the island supports, leading guided hikes to see the wild giant tortoises in their natural habitat, supporting adoption schemes as well as releasing giant tortoises into the wild on Silhouette when they are mature enough.

Nasreen Khan of ICS said, 'It is important that we take a keen interest in the conservation of our beloved gentle giants, the Galapagos giant tortoise ranges from vulnerable to critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Fortunately for the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, since 1984, scientists saw the need to take measures in safeguarding this enigmatic Aldabra giant. Giant tortoises are incredibly important in the ecology of the Seychelles – they are known as ecosystem engineers because they assist in restoring native environments. The conservation venture that Hilton Labriz has undertaken for several years now has allowed us to ensure these majestic animals will go on to flourish on Silhouette. The new tortoise sanctuary is a massive place for the juveniles to play and explore, and the opportunity to see these giant tortoises released into the wild is something that the ICS is proud to support'.

Although hard to imagine, some of these behemoths have been at Hilton Labriz since they were tiny 10 cm hatchlings and the team at the resort have become quite attached to them. The new sanctuary has been a passion project for the resort and the enthusiasm of the staff to nurture these special animals is clear. Thomas Porter, Resort Manager at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa remarked of the conservation project; “To survive, we must learn to coexist with nature in a dedicated but delicate approach. The tortoise sanctuary is our responsibility to help this species thrive.”

“Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa are fully in support of the amazing work that ICS and the local community have achieved on Silhouette Island. We have thus far backed their incredible efforts and will continue to do so to ensure Silhouette remains a haven for rare indigenous flora and fauna. We look forward to seeing the giant tortoise population of Silhouette and the Seychelles continue to flourish,” stated Andre Borg, Area General Manager of Hilton Seychelles.

Please note: Monday 23rd May is World Turtle Day which was established by American Tortoise Rescue (ATR) in 1990 to celebrate and raise awareness of turtles and tortoises and their disappearing habitats around the world.

If you would like more images of the tortoises and the Tortoise Sanctuary please email me.

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sezlbhi-hilton-seychelles-labriz-resort-and-spa 

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