Jersey Zoo announces death of Biggy the tortoise

Wednesday, 7 October 2026 10:18

Jersey's Zoo's Aldabra giant tortoise Biggy has died.

This summer we followed his remarkable journey to the UK for a specialist CT scan at one of only two places in the country with a big enough scanner for the 150 kilo reptile.

Keepers say his condition had deteriorated since then, with growths around his cloaca becoming ulcerated and infected.

With further surgery ruled out on welfare grounds, the team say they made the difficult decision to put him down.

Violaine Colon, Senior Veterinary Officer at Jersey Zoo, said:

“This is an incredibly difficult decision for everyone who has cared for Biggy. The specialist CT scans at the Royal Veterinary College gave us a much clearer picture of his condition and helped us make decisions about his ongoing care.

“His condition has deteriorated since then, and the growths have come back very quickly. Having already undergone two rounds of surgery, we don’t believe further surgery would be successful in curing his tumours. While we never want to have to make this decision, we know that putting him to sleep is now the kindest thing we can do.

“Biggy is a much-loved member of the Jersey Zoo family and will be hugely missed by all of us who have cared for him.”

Biggy was thought to be more than 100 years old.

The other tortoise to be scanned in August, Mike, is continuing with treatment for his osteoarthritis, including regular physio.

The zoo says he has made some progress, but he is still very lame and has a long way to go.

Mike shares his home with fellow Aldabra giant tortoises Twiggy and Helen.

The tortoise tunnel will be closed for the next two days.