It\u2019s been a love story for the ages which is why we\u2019re happy to report the Australian Reptile Park\u2019s oldest resident Hugo the Galapagos Tortoise has finally met his love, Estrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coming all the way from Zoo Rostock Germany is Estrella the Galapagos tortoise, a beautiful 21-year-old female who Hugo met after the Australian Reptile Park put him on dating app Tinder back in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The introduction exceeded all expectations with the pair not leaving each other\u2019s side since the moment they met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Estrella was due to arrive in early 2020, but due to complications in travel and COVID-19, it was put off until she could safely reach Australian shores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She arrived at the Australian Reptile Park in June and was held in mandatory quarantine for three months until their historic meeting this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Daniel Rumsey, Head of Reptiles at the Australian Reptile Park said, \u201cI couldn\u2019t be more excited for Hugo! He\u2019s been looking for a mate for some time now so to see the two of them together finally is honestly one of the best things I\u2019ve witnessed in my life!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pair have been waiting patiently to meet for the first time and whilst Estrella spent her three months in quarantine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The introduction was undertaken under the watchful eyes of their loving keepers with months of preparation to ensure everything went according to plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During lockdown, the Australian Reptile Park did not waste the downtime without visitors, the wildlife sanctuary utilised the time upgrading the Galapagos Tortoise Exhibit to ensure Estrella has the most comfortable and incredible new home as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHugo\u2019s got a bit of an extra bounce in his step now and we can now sigh with relief since the lovers have met! I can already tell they are in love; they haven\u2019t left each other since they met. Who knows, maybe within the next few years we will have some baby Galapagos tortoises!\u201d Rumsey said,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hugo and Estrella are paired as part of Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia\u2019s prescribed species breeding program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are plans for the tortoises to breed within the next five years, with hopes that the pitter-patter of tiny tortoise feet will be heard around the Australian Reptile Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Listen via the Star 104.5 Player, download it now via the <\/em>App Store<\/em><\/a> or <\/em>Google Play<\/em><\/a> and take Star 104.5 wherever you go.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n WATCH: Wake up with a laugh and join <\/em><\/strong>Rabbit & Sarah for Breakfast<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, weekdays, 6am-9am.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n