The three radiated tortoises at the Zoo were hatched in 1994 at
the Bronx Zoo before they came to the Seneca Park Zoo. Since
they came from the Bronx, the largest is named Yankee, the
smallest is Jeter and the one with the flattened back part of
his shell is A-Rod. The Zoo’s radiated tortoises are taken
outside at least once a week in the summer. They love to eat the
grass, especially the clovers, and enjoy being in the sun.
Status in the Wild International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) Red List status: Endangered. These tortoises are
in trouble due to loss of habitat, poaching for food and
exploitation in the pet trade. The Seneca Park Zoo is part of
the Species Survival Plan to aid the recovery of the radiated
tortoise. Radiated tortoises make their home in Southern
Madagascar in dry scrub forests and woodlands. These tortoises
are herbivores, eating grasses, fruit and succulent plants such
as cacti.