In brief: Biggy, a 100-year-old Aldabra giant tortoise at Jersey Zoo, is to be euthanised after growths around his cloaca became infected and ulcerated despite two rounds of surgery. Vets at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust say further surgery would not guarantee success and could cause him greater discomfort. His fellow tortoise, Mike, made the same trip to the Royal Veterinary College and is recovering with physiotherapy.
A Century of Life, a Difficult Farewell
Biggy, the 150kg Aldabra giant tortoise who has called Jersey Zoo home for much of his remarkable life, will be put to sleep on welfare grounds following a sustained decline in health. Bailiwick Express reports that the decision, described as “incredibly difficult” by zoo staff, comes after specialist veterinary intervention failed to halt the progression of his condition.
In August, Biggy made the journey by ferry and van to the Royal Veterinary College in Hertfordshire for a CT scan, a trip that underlines just how seriously Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust takes the welfare of its animals. The scan provided, in the words of Violaine Colon, senior veterinary officer at Jersey Zoo, “a clearer picture” that allowed vets to make an informed decision. The news, unfortunately, was not good.
Growths around Biggy’s cloaca, the opening at the rear of his shell, have continued to form and have become infected and ulcerated. Having already undergone two rounds of surgery, the veterinary team concluded that further intervention would be unlikely to cure his tumours and could leave him in greater discomfort.
Ms Colon said: “His condition has deteriorated since then, and the growths have come back very quickly. While we never want to have to make this decision, we know that putting him to sleep is now the kindest thing we can do.” She added that Biggy is “a much-loved member of the Jersey Zoo family and will be hugely missed by all of us who have cared for him.”
A Zoo Navigating Loss and Change
Biggy’s passing will be the second significant loss for Jersey Zoo in recent weeks. Just a fortnight ago, Anette, one of the zoo’s orangutans, was also euthanised following a long period of declining health. At the time, Dr Nic Masters, head of veterinary services at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, reflected on the complexity of such decisions: “Reaching a decision to euthanise any animal is always difficult, especially when you are looking at a combination of age-related ailments where the effects aren’t always easy to measure objectively.”
It is a sobering period for the Trust, which has long been one of Jersey’s most cherished institutions and a global leader in wildlife conservation. Caring for animals that live for a century brings unique emotional and veterinary challenges, and the team’s willingness to transport a 150kg tortoise across the Channel for specialist diagnostics speaks to their commitment.
Not all the news from the zoo is sombre, however. Biggy’s fellow Aldabra tortoise, Mike, made the same ferry and van journey to Hertfordshire for a CT scan. His diagnosis was osteoarthritis, and with physiotherapy his demeanour has reportedly begun to improve. Meanwhile, the zoo’s Gelada grassland monkeys are heading to Bratislava in Slovakia, joining six males who left Jersey in July to form Slovakia’s first-ever group of the species.
Source: Bailiwick Express
