Spring sees the arrival of the usual host of adorable babies at Folly Farm, Begelly. But this year, not all of the newcomers arrive with a spring in their step. Albert, the ancient sulcata tortoise, is no less adorable than the lambs and piglets, despite his wizened appearance. At 23 kilos, he's the biggest of the park's tortoise collection. So big, in fact, he couldn't fit through the door of the tortoise house! So now, especially for Albert, amongst Folly Farm's new attractions is a new purpose-built tortoise house. The exhibit has two key aims - to offer a suitable home for Albert, and to educate visitors about caring for exotic pets. The heated, desert-themed house will also be a cosy new home for the growing number of other tortoises at Folly Farm. Said head keeper Tim Morphew: "People all too often take on exotic pets who need specialist care, without realising how much work is involved. Pets end up dying or being abandoned. Some of the lucky ones are given to us, but obviously we have limited space. "We're hoping the information displayed at the new house will help educate people about the responsibilities involved with taking on exotic pets." For the lucky tortoises at Folly Farm, the new house is the ideal place for them to spend the rest of their lives with everything they need, including the company of other tortoises and beautifully decorated surroundings! Folly Farm is open every day, with Easter activities taking place between April 10 and May 1.
