The Aldabra giant tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) is one of the largest land-dwelling reptiles in the world. They have the astounding average life span, living to be well over 100 years old. But who would have thought these tortoises would be so affectionate and getting treats and pats on the head?
In the video below, a woman enjoys a visit with an Aldabra giant tortoise, giving the friendly reptile a delicious watermelon snack and a neck rub.
Scientists say the giant tortoises are actually quite sociable and more interesting than you might think. One named Jonathan is thought to be the oldest known living animal on earth, at 183 years old!
The species almost went extinct in the 18th and 19th centuries. The tortoises are now listed as vulnerable. Most of the wild ones live on the Aldabra Atoll, an outer island of the Seychelles near Madagascar. As for their size, Aldabra giant tortoises can grow to weigh 550 pounds (250 kg)!
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