TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Zoo (台北市立動物園) addressed public concern Monday (Dec. 15) after a viral video showed a Sulcata Tortoise (蘇卡達象龜) flipped over by a companion. The zoo explained that the tortoises engaged in territorial disputes, a behavior typically seen from May to July due to warmer weather. The December event may have been influenced by rising temperatures and the use of heat lamps in the enclosure, according to zoo officials. The incident prompted the zoo to clarify the natural behavior patterns of these large African tortoises.
The zoo detailed the tortoises' combat behavior, which involves retracting their heads into their shells, forcefully kicking backward with their legs, and using their gular shields to ram opponents. Zookeepers intervening in such disputes may become targets themselves, as the aggressor might mistake them for allies of the overturned tortoise. The territorial behavior poses challenges for staff attempting to separate the animals during confrontations.
The zoo introduced floating balls in the Sulcata Tortoise outdoor area to address the issue, encouraging the tortoises to chase the balls instead of each other. Keepers monitor the tortoises for injuries and regularly check their weight to ensure their health remains unaffected, the zoo emphasized. The African animal section's ample space and fewer tortoises often lead to one-on-one confrontations, prompting staff to remain vigilant and seek innovative solutions to mitigate aggressive behaviors. ◼