Seychelles gifts two giant tortoise to India

Seychelles has gifted a pair of giant Aldabra tortoise to India, in a goodwill gesture.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while thanking Seychellois President Danny Faure for the gift, said the creatures are a symbol of 'out ever-lasting' friendship. 

"In India, this creature and other animals are seen with a lot of love and compassion," he said in his press statement.

The Aldabra tortoise pair will be kept at the Hyderabad Zoo, a Ministry of External Affairs official said.

Seychelles gift or give Aldabra tortoise on loan to friendly countries and this strategy have been a part of Seychellois diplomancy for long.  

The giant tortoise weighs around 120 and 150 kilogram and have the ability to live for up to 200 years.
       
In 2010, Seychelles had loaned out two giant tortoise to Shanghai Zoo in China, while another pair was gifted to Guangzhou Zoo in 2014, as per Seychelles News Agency.