A Giant Galapagos tortoise enjoyed his favourite chicory snack out in the paddock at Crocodiles of the World.

Fully grown male Dirk is the largest tortoise in the UK and he lives alongside his three female companions Zuzu, Isabella and Charlie at the Brize Norton zoo. 

Last year 70-year-old Dirk, who first arrived in the UK in the 1960s and is described as being in "peak physical condition", bred with mother Charlie, 21.

It was the first time Giant Galapagos tortoises have been successfully bred in a British zoo.

Galapagos tortoises are not only the largest living tortoise species, but are also some of the most endangered. 

Staff from Crocodiles Of The World have been conducting regular reptile surveys at the North Leigh Common, near Witney, over the past few months and found the area appears to be teeming with reptile and amphibian species, including slow worms, common lizards and grass snakes.

It is hoped these will help identify ways to manage the environment in order to try to conserve these species.

With the support of WODC and ARGUK (Amphibian & Reptiles Group UK) the team from the zoo will be hosting a community open day on August 22 from 2pm – 7pm at North Leigh Common to share their findings and discuss conservation.