Estrella The Galapagos Tortoise Celebrates First Halloween In Australia With Pumpkin

This is the moment Estrella the Galapagos tortoise celebrates her first Halloween in Australia with a carved pumpkin and her favourite flower hibiscus.

Estrella was filmed enjoying her Halloween treat at Australian Reptile Park in the Australian state of New South Wales.

The new resident is experiencing her first taste of Halloween in Australia after a long overseas journey and quarantine period.

The zoo said in a statement: “Happy (almost) Halloween! The Australian Reptile Park’s newest resident, Estrella the Galapagos tortoise, has enjoyed her first Halloween in Australia by feasting on a huge jack-o-lantern, adorned with her favourite flowers – hibiscus!”

In the footage, Estrella is seen eating a hibiscus and chomping on the fleshy pumpkin.

At one point, a zookeeper teases her with a hibiscus being handing it over and allowing her to quickly devour it.

The Australian Reptile Park said: “Pumpkin is a special treat for Galapagos tortoises as they enjoy the different smells, taste and look of the festive treat.

“After a long journey across the world and months in quarantine, Estrella is settling in well to her new home at the Australian Reptile Park on the NSW Central Coast.”

The zoo also announced that she is getting on well with her new boyfriend in their enclosure: “Earlier this month, she was finally introduced to her boyfriend Hugo when she moved into their shared exhibit. The pair is getting along famously, and Hugo has taken a very special liking to his new roommate.”

Daniel Rumsey, head of reptiles, said, “We always get into the Halloween spirit at the Australian Reptile Park, and we thought it was only fitting to feature Estrella as she celebrates her first Halloween in Australia!

“Most Galapagos tortoises enjoy hibiscus but Estrella absolutely loves them! We decided to use hibiscus to decorate her special Halloween pumpkin and it went down a treat!”

"Hugo and Estrella have been getting along great so far and it's wonderful to see the pair finally interacting after such a long courtship. They're definitely the Reptile Park's hottest couple!"

The Australian Reptile Park also announced that it has reopened and as a COVID-Safe business, adding: “As well as the chance to reconnect with nature after months stuck at home, visitors will be able to redeem their Dine & Discover NSW Vouchers at the Park - both at Reception and the on-site kiosk, the Hard Croc Cafe.”

Australian Reptile Park/NF/Lee Bullen