Australia Zoo’s Goliath celebrates 50th birthday with a favourite-food feast
By Animals Correspondent
A giant tortoise with a big personality has marked a major milestone, as Australia Zoo’s beloved Goliath celebrates his 50th birthday with a special feast alongside his friend Jarvis.
Born in 1976, Goliath has called Australia Zoo home since 1997, becoming a familiar favourite for generations of keepers who have cared for him over almost three decades.
To mark the occasion, his keepers prepared a birthday cake packed with his favourite foods, including watermelon, rockmelon and berries, decorated with carrot love hearts and topped with green beans for candles.
Australia Zoo Reptile Keeper Katelyn Dunsmuir said the milestone was particularly special, although Goliath still has plenty of life ahead of him.
“Goliath is still relatively young at 50, with Aldabra giant tortoises capable of living up to 200 years. To celebrate his birthday, we prepared a cake with his favourite foods, including watermelon, rockmelon and berries, decorated with carrot love hearts and topped with green beans for candles. He enjoyed his special birthday treat alongside his friend, Jarvis,” said Katelyn.
Beyond the birthday treats, Goliath enjoys spending time with the people who care for him.
“Goliath loves spending time with his keepers, especially when he gets a good scratch across his shell. Aldabra giant tortoises are incredibly intelligent, so it’s always special to slow down and spend quality time with Goliath,” she said.
Goliath is also helping raise awareness of the challenges facing his species.
Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) are classed as vulnerable and are native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles.
Among the largest tortoises in the world, they can weigh more than 200 kilograms and grow to over one metre in length.
Their long necks help them reach vegetation above ground level, while their powerful legs and large, domed shells help them thrive in their island home.
Wildlife conservationist Bindi Irwin said Goliath’s milestone was an opportunity to celebrate the connection people feel with these remarkable animals.
“Goliath is a wonderful ambassador for Aldabra giant tortoises, and turning 50 is such a special milestone. It’s beautiful to see the connection people have with him and the love he inspires for his species.”
After almost 30 years at Australia Zoo, Goliath’s birthday is a celebration of a much-loved resident who continues to bring people closer to wildlife and the importance of protecting it.
