Separated By COVID-19 Quarantine, Two Galapagos Tortoises Have First Date Via Video Call

JAKARTA - The lockdown and quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has been going on since last year, is not only felt by humans. Two Galapagos tortoises who are matched go on a first date via a video call service.

Not a fairy tale, this story takes place in Australian Reptile Park, Somersby, when Hugo, a male Galapagos tortoise will be paired with a female named Estrella. The two had to be quarantined separately, because Estrella was from abroad.

Reporting Euronews August 3, Hugo the Galapagos tortoise has been living in Australian Reptile Park, Somersby, Australia since 1963. And now, at the age of 70, he is 'betrothed', Australian Reptile Park calls it.

Her partner, Estrella, joined the Australian Reptile Park from Zoo Rostock in Germany. He was 21 years old but, for a species that lived more than 100 years, the slight age difference didn't seem like a big deal.

Originally, Estrella was scheduled to arrive in early 2020 from Germany. But it was postponed until June 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Having just had a long, cross-country trip, Estrella would be in mandatory quarantine until September, so the caretaker came up with the idea of setting up a first date with Hugo via a video call service.

"And we were right, apparently on a virtual date 'the chemistry is off the charts," the second keeper said.

Daniel Rumsey, head of reptiles at the park added: "We've always wanted to get Hugo's girlfriend to replace the 'special' rock he has in his cage, and it's a huge step towards their meeting."

"This is one of the best moments I've ever had as a zookeeper and in my life. It won't be long before he's introduced to our superstar Hugo," he said, citing eminetra.co.uk.

While Australian Reptile Park reptile keeper Jake Meenie said the team wanted the two to have a baby together, even though at different ages. The reptile keeper is thrilled that Hugo and his new friend are getting along even through the digital display.

"Hugo has so far been alone or with our other guys, and two of them aren't doing well," he told Nine News.

"These animals can live for over 180 years, so hopefully they will fall in love and stay together for a very long time."

To note, the arrival of Estrela is part of an effort to breed the Galapagos giant tortoise, whose numbers are currently in critical condition.