“The smell and sounds emanating from the cave is a scarring sensory adventure.

JUL 15 2025 · 17:00

“The smell and sounds emanating from the cave is a scarring sensory adventure. Imagine 80 giant tortoises farting and pooping all day in a crowded space”. @thomaspeschak is a #FriendOfAldabra and incredible photographer who has captured the beauty of Aldabra’s pristine ecosystem. He describes Aldabra as “one of the most inhospitable places in the world”, emphasising the impressive resilience of these “modern-day dinosaurs”. Lacking the ability to sweat, tortoises escape the heat by finding refuge in caves to avoid “baking to death in their shells”, fiercely competing with each other as the “supply of shady places is low”. Competition is only going to get harder and harder as these tortoises face growing challenges to their survival in this already harsh environment. The construction of the luxury resort development on Assomption Island risks destroying their habitat (mostly caves), and who knows what the impact will be when tourist groups start going to Aldabra Atoll, just 27 km away, where tortoises also compete for shade in caves and under the few trees that grow there. Drop a ‘🐢’ in the comments to show your love for these resilient species! #FriendsOfAldabra #Tortoise #GiantAldabraTortoise #GiantTortoise #SaveAldabra