PREVIEW

A giant Galapagos tortoise has celebrated her birthday with a special 'cake'.

Estrella, a beloved resident at the Australian Reptile Park, reached the impressive age of 23, and her birthday festivities were nothing short of delightful. The day was brimming with joy as her keepers presented her with a delectable cake fashioned to resemble the birthday girl herself. Crafted from watermelon, sweet potato, kiwi fruit, and berries – Estrella's favourite foods – the cake was a hit.

Keeper Imogen had the honour of offering the cake to Estrella, who, in her typically leisurely manner, approached it with excitement before savouring it at her own pace. Fruits like these are a special and infrequent treat for Galapagos tortoises, whose usual diet consists of various vegetation, grass, tree bark, and cacti.

Following her cake indulgence, Estrella embarked on her customary stroll to receive affection and well-wishes from visitors who had come to the Australian Reptile Park to celebrate the birthday of one of its most renowned inhabitants.

Reptiles Keeper Imogen Hall remarked, "Anyone who meets Estrella knows she is not your average tortoise. She is brimming with personality and welcomes everyone with a warm smile. I adore working with her and witnessing the sheer delight on people's faces when they see her for the first time."