Right Place, Wrong Time

Tortoise is distinguished from other turtles by being completely land-dwelling, while many other turtle species are partly aquatic. Their shells protect them from the threats of predation, retracting their heads and necks directly into the hard shell. Tortoises also vary in size, with some species like the Galapagos giant tortoise growing over 1.2 meters in length. Generally reclusive creatures, tortoises are considered the longest-living land animals in the world. The Galapagos tortoises can live up to 150 years, while Aldabra giant tortoises are noted to live more than 255 years. However, most tortoise species can live somewhere around 80 to 150 years.

Mostly herbivores, land-based tortoises feed on grass, leafy greens, weeds, flowers, and some fruits. Too much protein is detrimental in herbivorous species, and it’s associated with medical problems and shell deformities. On the other hand, while tourists explore the wild, it’s inevitable to chance upon wildlife in their most intimate moments every once in a while—just like this family, with a degree of gleeful presence.