The Galápagos Giant Tortoise (Chelonoidis niger, formerly nigra) is a large South American reptile. It is adoptable in Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species and Zoo Tycoon (Xbox).
Description[]
"Galápagos Giant Tortoise" refers to a number of subspecies of large tortoises endemic to the Galápagos Islands.[1] It is the largest species of tortoise in the world, with large individuals weighing up to 417 kg (919 lbs). The shell of the Galápagos giant tortoise can either be saddleback-shaped or dome-shaped, depending on the subspecies.
Across all populations, Galápagos giant tortoises are herbivores. Tortoises with dome-shaped shells tend to be larger, live in areas with high humidity and graze close to the ground, whilst tortoises with saddleback-shaped shells tend to live in dry, lowland areas, using their long necks to reach higher foods. Galápagos giant tortoises are solitary, but not usually territorial.
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
The Galápagos giant tortoise is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2 and was introduced as part of the Endangered Species expansion pack. In Challenge and Campaign mode, it is obtainable at two stars of zoo fame.
The Galápagos giant tortoise is a scrub animal, although it is also able to swim. It does not require much space in its exhibit, which is beneficial considering its slow speed.
Since it is an Endangered Animal, breeding can be sped up with a Conservation Breeding Center, and the player can sell the Balloon Bouquets rewarded for each offspring. Unfortunately male Galápagos Giant Tortoises do fight similarly to other herbivores which results in negative guest happiness, but fortunately unlike carnivore fights the Tortoises do not kill each other.
 zootycoon.com Description
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| The Galapagos giant tortoise is among the world's most critically endangered tortoises. Huge numbers of these tortoises were killed by the crews of whaling ships during the early 19th century. Today, these giant tortoises are threatened by many of the animals that humans have introduced to the Galapagos Islands, including pigs that eat tortoise eggs, rats that eat hatchlings, and goats that eat vegetation that tortoises rely on for food. The Galapagos giant tortoises are now legally protected under the laws of Ecuador. |
Zoo Tycoon (Xbox)[]
The Galápagos giant tortoise is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon (Xbox) and is available in the base game. It is a mini-exhibit animal and can be placed in the Tropical Lawn exhibit.
Gallery[]
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
Zoo Tycoon (Xbox)[]
Zoo Tycoon 2 DS[]
Trivia[]
- Some people's games can suffer from a glitch that causes Zoo Tycoon 2 to crash if a Galápagos giant tortoise is placed in their zoo.
- In Zoo Tycoon 2 DS the Galápagos tortoise is curiously stated to live in India instead of the South American Galápagos, where the Galápagos Islands are located. It is the only animal in the game to use this location.
- The Galápagos giant tortoise is the only tortoise available in Zoo Tycoon (Xbox) outside of Ultimate Animal Collection.
- The Western Santa Cruz Island Tortoise, the Galápagos tortoise subspecies featured in Zoo Tycoon 2, has been given the Critically Endangered conservation status since its debut.
- The Western Santa Cruz Island Tortoise is also the subspecies featured in Zoo Tycoon 2 DS
References[]
- ↑ Ancient mitogenomics elucidates diversity of extinct West Indian tortoises - PubMed Central
| Zoo Tycoon 2 DS animals | |
|---|---|
| Standard Animals | African Elephant • Black Panther • Black Rhinoceros • California Sea Lion • Cheetah • Chimpanzee • Dolphin • Dromedary Camel • Galapagos Giant Tortoise • Giant Sable Antelope • Gray Wolf • Greater Flamingo • Grizzly Bear • Komodo Dragon • Lion • Masai Giraffe • Moose • Nile Crocodile • Ostrich • Orangutan • Polar Bear • Pygmy Hippopotamus • Red Kangaroo • Spanish Lynx • Wolverine • Zebra |
| Star Animals | American Beaver • Emperor Penguin • Giant Panda • Koala • Mountain Gorilla • Sea Otter |
| Amazing Animals | Saber-toothed Tiger • Triceratops • Unicorn • Yeti |