Signature Wildlife Experiences
Meet Our Famous Tortoises
George
The island’s elder statesman, George is a 150-year-old male and Desroches’ oldest, largest tortoise. With a massive weathered shell and calm demeanor, he’s often found grazing in the grasslands nearby IDC village, taking slow, deliberate steps through the vegetation. He’s a living piece of the island’s history, having witnessed more than a century of Desroches’ evolution.
Big Pete
Big Pete, now nearing a century old, is one of the sanctuary’s most beloved residents. This large, confident tortoise spends his days relaxing in shady spots or steadily grazing on fresh greens. Known for his sociable nature, he’s often found among the female tortoises and isn’t shy about making his presence known during mating season.
Hannah
Hannah is one of our most distinctive tortoises, known for his rounded shell and unique heart-shaped scute. Despite the feminine name, he’s a male – and he’s keeping the name. He loves gentle attention, happily stretching for neck and shell rubs, and he’ll occasionally take a treat. Sociable and calm, Hannah spends most of his time near visitors, greeting them with curious head bobs and quickly becoming a guest favourite.
Smoothie
Smoothie, known for her smooth black shell, is one of the island’s gentle matriarchs. Larger than her look‑alike Jeffrey, she’s easy to spot by the soft curves along her sides. She loves calm company and happily sinks into stillness during neck or shell rubs. Often found near Secret Beach, Smoothie greets visitors with her relaxed, friendly nature, making her a favourite – especially for young guests seeking a gentle tortoise encounter.
Puzzle
Puzzle is a uniquely charming tortoise recognized by her mismatched, puzzle‑like scute pattern – making her completely one‑of‑a‑kind. Naturally shy, she often rests quietly under wooden platforms to stay calm and out of the spotlight. With gentle patience and slow, soft touches, she gradually warms up and relaxes into shell and neck massages, winning over guests who love her quiet, delicate spirit.
Pancake
Pancake is a truly unique adult female with an unusually flat, compact shell – a one‑of‑a-kind form shaped by early life conditions. Timid and sweet natured, she prefers slow, calm interactions and takes time to trust. Though shy to eat from hands, she warms up to gentle guests and reveals her quiet, endearing personality. Her rare form and gentle soul make her a sanctuary favourite.
Stumpy
Stumpy is our resilient three‑legged tortoise, full of quiet courage. Though naturally shy, he moves freely and confidently around the sanctuary. Approach slowly from the side or behind to keep him at ease; offering treats helps build trust. Once relaxed, he enjoys gentle shell rubs and likes to quietly explore his surroundings, inspiring guests with his gentle bravery.
Through our Tortoise Sanctuary, sea turtle monitoring, manta ray protection and partnerships with ICS, we’re dedicated to preserving Desroches’ biodiversity for future generations.
Our Conservation Philosophy
More Desroches Wildlife
Seabirds
Desroches is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to more than 10 seabird species. Spot tropicbirds, terns and shearwaters nesting along the coast and in the jungle. Visit our Discovery Centre for guides to help you identify them.
Sea Turtle
Desroches’ beaches are nesting grounds for green and hawksbill sea turtles. Our team monitors nests year round, protecting eggs from predators and ensuring hatchlings safely reach the sea.
Rays
The pristine waters surrounding Desroches Island are home to a variety of graceful rays, offering unforgettable encounters beneath the surface. Guests may spot majestic manta rays gliding effortlessly through the reefs, alongside elegant eagle rays cruising the crystal‑clear lagoon.
More Wildlife Experience Highlights
The Team
Nasreen Khan
Island BiologistFAQ
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for popular activities like the Desroches Challenge (minimum one days’ notice) and tortoise and turtle exploration. Reserve through the Concierge in person, on the Four Seasons App or by emailing our Resort directly.
Yes, the cycling, tortoise feeding, tortoise and turtle exploration, and turtle patrol and birdwatching tour are all family friendly. Children will enjoy interacting with baby tortoises, spotting wildlife and learning from our Island Biologist. The Desroches Challenge is best for kids ages 13 and over with moderate fitness levels.
For all tours, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes or sandals and a hat. We also recommend using lightweight sunscreen and insect repellent. A reusable water bottle is provided. For the Desroches Challenge, pack a swimsuit (for beach stops), a change of clothes and a camera. Binoculars are provided for the birdwatching tour, but feel free to bring your own.
Yes, the Tortoise Sanctuary is open to all resort guests during daylight hours (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) for self-guided visits. You can observe the baby tortoises, take photos and chat with our team about the tortoises’ care without booking an experience. Hands-on feeding is only available through the cycling to tortoise feeding experience.
Once released, the tortoises roam freely across Desroches’ grasslands and coastal areas, joining the wild population. Our team continues to monitor them periodically (via non-intrusive tracking) to ensure they adapt successfully. Guests may even spot former sanctuary residents during island tours.
Adoption fees starting at EUR 75 directly support our conservation work, including medical care and habitat maintenance for baby tortoises. Each adopter receives a personalized adoption certificate and regular updates on their sponsored tortoise’s progress for one year, tracking milestones as the tortoise grows towards release into the wild.
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