Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

Species: Leopard tortoise(Geochelone pardalis)
Date of birth: Unknown

In many gardens in Addis Ababa, there are giant tortoises.  Most of the Embassy compounds and the Presidential Palace have several. It is reported that these tortoises can live for over a hundred years, so many of the larger tortoises will have lived through the rule of Emperor Haile Selassie (the King of Rastafaris) and Mengistu.

The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority has received several requests (including from a Government Minister) to rescue tortoises from Addis gardens.  Born Free agreed to look after some of these tortoises who can now roam the 77ha of land (slowly…) at Ensessakotteh!

If you would like to help Born Free to care for the leopard tortoises, click here