WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL TORTOISE?

With over 330 known turtle species (because yes, tortoises ARE turtles), planet earth sure has an incredible variety of these reptilian shelled creatures. Some are huge while some are tiny. Some are aquatic, while some are terrestrial and yet some live in both water and on land. There are some that display drabber coloration as a perfect disguise for staying hidden in mud or under vegetation, but then there are some that make our jaws drop. When it comes to the color and markings of Madagascar's radiated tortoise, there is no denying its beauty. With its highly arched shell, thick elephantine legs and a black carapace contrasted by gorgeous yellow lines or striations, it's no wonder why they have long been dubbed earth's most beautiful tortoise species. In this video we take a close look at this famous chelonian and dive into not just its appearance but also its charismatic behavior and allure.
Subscribe to our channel: / gardenstatetortoise
Follow us on Instagram: / garden_state_tortoise
Follow us on TikTok: / gardenstatetortoise
Follow us on Facebook: / gardenstatetortoise
Visit our website: www.gardenstatetortoise.com
Follow our Diamondback terrapin conservation work on Instagram: / terrapinconservationin...
Who is Garden State Tortoise?
However you made it here, thank you and welcome to Garden State Tortoise. Garden State Tortoise is home to hundreds of animals from all around the world. We are a family dedicated to adventure, conservation of wildlife, and all things nature. We are a reptile rescue and breeding facility for more than ten years, offering refuge to those who need it, and working everyday to protect the beautiful world of reptiles in any way we can. Here on our KZbin channel you will be able to join us on our animal adventures while learning how to care for, protect, properly identify, feed and even breed many species of turtle, tortoise, snake and lizard. We even work with frogs and salamanders! We hope you enjoy our videos and help us share them with the world so we can continue to educate people of all ages about herpetology.
Chris and Casey Leone

[@jenniferbuckle273]

Your tortoises and turtles always appear to be so healthy in all videos. Your knowledge and care is optimum!!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Jennifer!

[@REDOYSTERCULT302]

@@GardenStateTortoiseloveyour videos keep it up

[@silviavoss6411]

Blows my mind they eat radiated tortoises, there is so much food in the world you'd think they could adopt live and let live given that the population has been so effected by humans, thanks for all your beautiful work!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I know. It’s unfortunately very bad over there.

[@urnotavictim8134]

Most if the damage was done by merchant sailors in the 1700 and 1800s while on route from Europe to USA they would stop and catch them to make stew.

[@urnotavictim8134]

Now the damage is more the pet trade and poaching not eating

[@FastDuDeJiunn]

Lack of options. For them. Hunger makes u do many things. Cant blame them.

[@PK-oy4fe]

​@@FastDuDeJiunn who are you kidding.? The locals have massive options for food....vegetation/fish! Wake up

[@bluedeva]

I remember a couple of years ago donating to support a TSA team where they managed to rescue approx 10k radiated tortoises in Madagascar that were in such dire states. Radiated are so beautiful and have such lovely temperaments I wish I had enough room to take a few rescues on. Can’t believe how much your Aldabra has grown 👌🏻his shell is perfect 🤗🐢🤗

[@cdd4248]

Do you have the name of the place you donated?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Right that’s one of the confiscations of them I was referencing. It’s insane what they’ve gone through there and the TSA is working hard daily to save the tortoises.

[@bluedeva]

@@GardenStateTortoise I’m sure I saw yourselves and Kenan talking about it at the time and had to donate after seeing how bad they were being treated. Thank goodness the TSA were able to get in there and help 🙌🏻🐢🙌🏻

[@jenniferharkins8105]

Our red eared slider is one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen. The fact that he is so “common” in no way negates the fact he is an exquisite being. Gus sports deep neon yellow stripes swirling in intricate patterns on his face, neck and legs. He has awesome crimson slash marks on both sides of his head. His shell has complementary yellow designs mixed with lime green on a stunning midnight background. His front claws are amazingly long and graceful. Yes, I know, Gus is just another red eared slider, an invasive species to many water ways all over this planet. BUT HE IS BEAUTIFUL. He lives in our 2000 gallon pond in our secure back garden. I look forward to every afternoon when I can sit near the water, toss food to Gus and watch him swim effortlessly. He is always interested in my activities and swims up to observe what I may be up to. He is an avid sun bather and will stay put on his perch because of the trust he has for me. “Everything loved is beautiful but not everything beautiful is loved.”

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@jeanwonnacott2718]

You are a rock star!! I can feel the love for your animal in every word. He is one lucky slider!! Jeannie

[@rootbeef]

I know this is a year old comment but it really touched me to read such professions of love for an animal, I feel the same way about my box turtle! Love to you and Gus, hope you're doing well :)

[@hasanmimbo5257]

Beautiful radiated tortoise!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks!

[@wildcreatureswny]

Such a gorgeous species! What a shame the devastation happening to this species and so many others. Thanks for always sharing your knowledge and love for these amazing creatures!🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I know, it’s really frustrating. Thank you for watching!

[@dorothyvarga6251]

The radiated tortoise is truly uniquely beautiful! Thank you for the video. I just love watching you’re videos about all the tortoises you keep.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Dorothy!

[@DSheartlady]

so beautiful thank you for the posting🙂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks for watching Debra!

[@sharondickinson3837]

I think that all tortoises/turtles are awesome, even the scary snappers! We have a 4year old female Hermann's called Kiwi, she is beautiful and cute, her back legs which I call her elephants feet, and the soft skin around her neck, all make her a joy to have as our pet! I think that the giant tortoises are the best looking, but also the Mata Mata are impressive too🙂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Nice! Hermann’s are one of our personal favorites here.

[@GaiaCarney]

I think green sea turtles 🐢 are lovely! They have soulful eyes . . .

[@GardenStateTortoise]

They really are!

[@katieanderson7847]

Green sea turtles are my fave ❤ so beautiful and such gentle giants

[@barbarabarnett9600]

Really gorgeous shells! Imagine wearing your best evening wear daily!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hahaha for sure!

[@pdmullgirl]

Oh I agree with you guys. They are absolutely beautiful. It’s so sad to hear about their native homeland and all the trouble there is. At least there are folks like you guys and zoos that will hopefully keep them around. I hope they find other islands to place them too. Okay, enjoyed the video! I always learn something new and that’s pretty cool. ❤️💜💚

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks much Paige!

[@albertsrour8687]

I love radiated Tortoises! But my favorites are pancake Tortoises and Yellow Blotched map turtles, then the radiated! Love your videos!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Albert! Big fans of those species as well.

[@albertsrour8687]

@@GardenStateTortoise yeiii to turtle lovers and responsible keepers! As you said, all turtles are beautiful!

[@samanthab1923]

I love their shells 🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Me too. ☺️

[@tamcsilva]

Cherry heads are on the top of my list. Radiated's are my second favorite.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Cherries definitely are pretty!

[@loriw2661]

The first time I saw the Radiateds at Kenan’s, I thought they were the most beautiful tortoise in the world. Humans are the most dangerous, destructive animals in the whole universe. It makes no sense to destroy the environment that is crucial to our survival. For an animal that touts itself as the most brilliant of animals, we sure know how to cut off our nose to spite our face.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Totally agree. It’s a sad shame.

[@frederickledermann3378]

great video keep up the good work

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@charlenemaddox9412]

i love this channel !! i always learn so much. you guys ROCK !!💗🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Charlene!!

[@tamarrajames3590]

I love to watch happy tortoises munching strawberries and enjoying the rain. These are truly beautiful creatures who get to live in the paradise you have made for them. The great work you do cannot be overstated.🖤🇨🇦

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you thank you!!!

[@SierraJenson4]

They are so beautiful. I love seeing them on Kenans channel! You guys should do a colab with Kamp Kenan!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks! We have actually, he’s filmed here twice now. Hoping to do it again sometime.

[@divadawn509]

I love those beautiful animals. I never really appreciated turtles or tortoises until we got my son yellow bellied water turtles. They really are cool animals, even if they don't like us as much as we like them. This breed of tortoise are gorgeous.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yellow bellies are definitely beautiful, engaging turtles!

[@YochevedDesigns]

When tortoises "hydraulic up" I always think that it's a pleasure reaction. They seem to do that when they are getting scratches or are around their favorite people.

[@sandramorey2529]

I haven't yet met a species of tortoise I didn't think was gorgeous. Sea turtles too. I love your site. btw: the wood lamp & its shade behind you is gorgeous as well as the radiated tortoises.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Sandra!

[@HarlinyBonnyelmorrocoy]

Yo me enteré en estos días de esa barbaridad No lo puedo creer

[@tedbomba6631]

It's hard to say which turtle / tortoise is the most attractive, they offer such a wide range of colors and markings, sizes and shapes, and personalities that I find it impossible to choose one as being superior to all the rest.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Definitely agree!

[@juliegoddard4846]

Amazing animals. So beautiful

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🐢👍🏻☺️

[@nirvanamagnolia]

I really​ love​ these Radiated Tortoise​s. Thanks for​ this clip, I subscribe your channel​ already.💓🐢

[@amyb5339]

Really excellent filming and editing Chris and Casey! The subject matter can make all the difference and this bunch was surely photogenic. Especially Mickey! How impressive.

[@hedgehogtales3834]

They’re so adorable

[@EagleEye-oe4xe]

The way the tortoise turned her head to him when he said "stunning" and then went back to looking at her leaves on 10:12 mark of the video, was hilarious!

[@LindaPoorman]

I love them and they are such characters. I wish I could get one, but it wouldn't be happy

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks for watching Linda!

[@jeanwonnacott2718]

Me too. Not enough room, it wouldn't be fair.....

[@ArtThatElevatesTheSoul]

They are absolutely gorgeous! thanks for such a wonderful video. Has anyone made the comparison of the babies to Slavic decorated Easter eggs? First time I saw a small radiated tortoise from above, I just couldn't believe it! Once again nature at it's best. Also love it when you water them! So cute. You folks are the best.

[@julivrotney9502]

Those are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing about them.

[@sayurikitamura7109]

😍😍🥰thanks for sharing this.i love them so much!

[@Scotts_Pets]

Great info....Glad i stumbled across your channel recently.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Scott!

[@SandraNelson063]

I don't think they're yellow. I see soft black and gentle beige. Lovely patterns. Very attractive. Sadly, this is why it's having a bad time in the wild. And the folks in Madagascar will eat ANYTHING. I know this sounds odd, but I think that the Alligator Snapping Turtle is awfully cute. I admire that " I can take down anything " confidence, the battle ready attitude. Belligerence IS a survival trait! And heckin adorable.

[@batbratsdesigns]

I want to pet it's shell. I love tortoise shells. My family has a giant tortoise named Bob The Tank. I use to give him a rub on his back and he would fall asleep. He's still living in my grandparents garden, they planted a special garden for him and he has food and water. Also, My cousin's took over the farm after my grandparents passed away and they are carrying for Bob. He's already 170 + years old. He's going live for a long time. Our family has made a lifetime commitment to Bob. ☺️❤️ He was a rescue too. We had neighbors who were criminal's and they stole Bob from the wild and he was passed around a lot before he got loose and ended up in our garden. My grandpa almost sat on Bob because Bob walked behind him and he went to set down to pull weeds and Bob surprised him. They became fast friends. We found out where he came from and the law enforcement came out. We had a family reunion just for the rescue of Bob The Tank. My family are animal lovers and I have a lot of family members who are animal rescuer's and zoologists. Two of my cousins are vet's.

[@warriorskitcat3859]

wow that's so cool also it's amazing that your family still takes care of Bob the Tank

[@sylviadu97]

Leopards/Star/Radiateds are all beautiful with their patterns, but my dream tortoise would be an Aldabra, just a single colour but magnificent in a way (especially when rained on). Pancakes are super cute as well!! I see my Hermanns are staring at me...for not mentioning them 😆

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hahaha def tough to beat an Aldabra!

[@Shaden0040]

Most beautiful sea turtle in the worldis ttthe Hawksbill. Once huntted or itttts shell for use as eye glass frames which have been replaced by lastics.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

For sure. So sad.

[@marsfeathers]

I love how they look standing straight up!!! Like those chickens with the really really long legs that stand tall like runner ducks! I love these beautiful tortoises wowow

[@ritagreenawalt9286]

Thank you. I've learned so much. ❤

[@pawsandclaws12]

I think the most beautiful based on pattern and colour is: Turtle: spotted turtle/red eared slider Tortoise: leopard tortoise/red foots Terrapins: diamondback terrapin

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I’m really glad you said red ear. So many people ignore just how beautiful a classic red eared slider is.

[@BrendaBush-mp9ll]

Love them! Thank you for the info. These are, in my opinion, the most beautiful tortoises.

[@soya5180]

Glad I found this channel. Moving back to the Northeast. Defenitely wanna have some tortoises in my household. Thank you!

[@BorghBorgh]

Mikey is getting so big!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Really is!

[@zacharypeloquin340]

I swear you're the only people who can really make New Jersey look like a nice place Haha Love you guys. Keep doing what you're doing

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Haha thanks!

[@lindamahrer1760]

These turtles will blow your mind...they are so incredibly beautiful

[@Ilovewildlifeandstuff.]

They're beautiful

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️

[@lesleyredgrift6627]

Absolutely stunning. Thank you for all that care you give all your animals. I'm obsessed with them all especially otis❤

[@k.6160]

They are beautiful ❤🐢

[@debh3404]

They are just STUNNING 😍

[@rondisanti8928]

beautiful. favorites are the yellow spotted turtles i use to see in Maryland growing up

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Spotted turtles are definitely one of our favorites!

[@jmo2104]

Wow they really are so beautiful!

[@Clairvoyant70]

The Madagascar tortoise for sure The most beautiful! But I would like to say how nice and healthy they all look. My husband and I are adopting our granddaughter real soon, we’re super excited 😊 and maybe by next spring or summer we can visit your turtle 🐢 farm. We live in Philadelphia so I don’t think 🤔 we’re too far. Looking forward to it. Bye 👋🏻😄

[@bdog4u2]

Since colder weather is around the corner you should do a video on setting up proper outdoor enclosures for them. This time of year the forums light up with questions about it. Thanks.

[@RaraAvis1138]

They are all so beautiful!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🐢👍🏻❤️

[@YouLookism]

I love Mickey!!!! she is soooo sweet, more vids of her please 😊😘🐢

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

awesome video

[@tiachandler5350]

Some of their markings look like beautiful yellow fireworks when they explode in the air it's just gorgeous

[@lindaball403]

They are so beautiful!

[@michellecross6331]

They're Beautiful. 😍 Thank you 😘 xxx

[@shawnperno4465]

That little baby radiated tortoise was like “dude stop holding the food up so high bring it down to my level, be considerate” Poor little dude

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It’s actually how they should eat at least half of the time. We did videos on this. In order to avoid health conditions like goiter, tortoises need to actively practice reaching high for food. Outdated information suggests they always eat off the ground and that has inevitably led to tortoises with atrophy. So yep, gotta make them reach. Never over-pamper, these are wild animals at heart. ✌🏻🐢

[@hajarspets]

Oh my God! They are great ♥️♥️

[@YochevedDesigns]

In my country the only tortoise you can legally own is the Sulcata. I can't imagine keeping Sulcatas, because of their digging habits. Greek Goldens are native here, so they are a protected species. You can go hiking and find them all over at certain times of the year, but it's highly illegal to pick them up for any reason (unless they need to be flipped over.) I would love to have a small tortoise like an Egyptian or a Hermann's, but my dream tortoise is the Aldabra. There is no way I'll every have enough room to keep one humanely, though. I'd want to have a huge yard for it.

[@lauralafauve5520]

They are all so beautiful. I can't choose.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Haha it’s tough!

[@offairhead]

I am hoping to start a turtle sanctuary. I am rehabbing a box turtle that was hit by a car and chewed on by a large breed dog. I have been in touch with a turtle sanctuary in a small nearby town and I am learning. I bought some land last year and I am hoping to continue learning from her and create a sanctuary of my own with her help. Thank you so much for all the education you provide.

[@Bigrignohio]

I am just here for the turtle noms.

[@samuelbundervoet3141]

I'm searching for a tortoise and i love them

[@GardenStateTortoise]

👍🏻

[@nrfbtoystoregaming]

Love the vids! Hoping when I move, gonna get a ton of acres, might have my own little turtle land!!! A eastern box I saved from a lawnmower last year, gifted me 4 babies this year. ONE of them is super friendly. Like, his siblings duck from my hand, but the one follows it around and likes his nose scratched! Might have a baby Otis on my hands (his name is Marshmellow).

[@warriorskitcat3859]

Aww ❤

[@mell.2144]

I love all tortoises! But I really love my 8 year old RES turtle, named "Bee" 😊

[@mariontasker679]

They are beautiful xx ❤

[@batbratsdesigns]

Their markings remind me of zebra stripes. They are very beautiful. My favorite tortoise is the box tortoiseshell. They can fully close their shells and they have different colors. But I still love all tortoises and turtle breed's. They all are beautiful and amazing creatures.

[@warriorskitcat3859]

Agreed

[@marthamason4554]

Beautiful

[@bornfoodieiam]

They are mind blowing 😍 I wish if I could have tame and raise few of them ♥️♥️♥️

[@davidkelly1298]

I like the eastern box turtles and not just because of Otis..lol. There is so much diversity with them all of it stunning.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Same here!

[@allanzju]

Gorgeous radiata, nice work Chris! It proves that they can live happily in New Jersey! Btw do you get the hatchlings from mad4rads? I am in New Jersey too and I am thinking about getting one.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks! South jersey is extremely tortoise-friendly, the habitat it nearly perfect. I don’t, there are from a friend in AZ.

[@panteamaddah82]

They’re beautiful 😻🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

☺️🐢

[@dianemessina2964]

Gorgeous

[@user-xu8ll5mk8n]

Strawberry heaven for these :-) 👍

[@katieanderson7847]

My daughter and I love your channel and your beautiful animals. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge about turtles and tortoises.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Katie! Tell your daughter we said hi and thanks as well.

[@jakemoeller7850]

Give them some grapes 🍇 to stomp and make some wine 🍷 😋 😄 Beautiful animals! Thank you for posting and for sharing your love of these amazing creatures.

[@abdullahkaaki9853]

Such a beauty

[@coewncondill8892]

Blandings turtles in my opinion are the most beautiful but I agree radiated tortoises are gorgeous too and all testudines are pretty in different ways

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Ahhh Blanding’s. LOVE them.

[@MrAndyNich]

Saw my first one in person at our zoo yesterday. 3 of them. It was the only reason I went lol. Amazing looking.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Haha nice!

[@johnford591]

One day I hope to have a radiated breeding project. This is far and away my favorite species.

[@manokura]

waoowwww amazing 😍😍😍👍🏻

[@hockey321smash]

Love these cuties:):)

[@charleszhu2006]

nice tortoise, would love to keep a few.

[@aboutdawntoday]

I love them. All of them.

[@alanstrong55]

Would not even think of using such tortoises for turtle soup.

[@Salodanger75]

How can someone EAT something that cute??? 😭 Look at their cute faces! 😭❤️❤️ Humans are pure evil!

[@katiedid1851]

What are radiated tortoises? Oh I get it. You spoil them rotten....😘 and I enjoy your videos because of that. I have learned so much. Otis is the most beautiful - tons of personality.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

He really is!

[@bohansen98]

I do love my Rads and they are beautiful but my favorite are the Burmese Black Mountain Tortoises. They are like turtle shaped dogs. They follow me around the enclosure and come running whenever they see me.

[@거북이씨]

정말 건강해보이네요!! 영상잘보고 갑니다!

[@ieatbread6088]

The thumb nail gives me life ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️🐢

[@tinawindham6958]

I’ve been mixing up veggies with sardines or cat food and my boxies eat it up! Thanks for sharing this a year or so ago! They still love bananas and mangoes without any hesitation. Bc of them I have my own mini mango farm👍🏻

[@senatamura2401]

最高なカメ達ですね🐢👍

[@timotejgorecan4350]

Hello. I have two Dalmatian Herman's tortoises in the enclosure, a male and a female. because for the last two years my turtle has been laying eggs, recently in April I bought an incubator. these two years I always found eggs but I didn't have an incubator. this year towards the end of August, I noticed that the female was looking for a place to lay her eggs, but I did not notice the actual nesting. Since I didn't notice nesting despite the fact that I followed the events in the enclosure every day, I concluded that she didn't lay eggs. Today, when I visited the enclosure again, I was struck by the thought that she had laid eggs after all, and that's why I started digging in the place where she had already nested. And just as if I knew it, I discovered a nest. unfortunately I did not expect this and broke 2 eggs. 2 remained intact. The broken eggs acted viscous (almost frozen) inside. Temperatures have been around 25 degrees Celsius since August, which is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit. And the weather has been very rainy for the past two weeks. So I'm wondering what to do with the remaining eggs? Would it be worth trying to hatch them in an incubator or throw them away? I hope you will notice and respond to my comment. And I thank you in advance. I've already learned a lot from your videos and I'm sure I'll learn a lot more. I wish you and your family all the best. greetings

[@maggiepie8810]

The Madagascan radiated tortoise is an incredibly beautiful species, that's for sure. They almost look like real-life Pokémon. 💛

[@TheNakia8DeAndreaPriddy]

Love this video and your tortoises. I have 2 baby Radiated tortoises, one is a few months older than the 2nd one. They are both from the same breeder I got my 2 leopard tortoises from here in Texas. Between both species of tortoises my Radiated are more personable meaning they are more attuned to my presence while feeding and cleaning their enclosures. At their age right now I don't know if they are male or female, but the older one I named Little Miss Muffet due to her high domed carapace and how she looks as she moves about with her head up high. The younger one I named E. T. for his face reminding me of the famous one in the movie. But mine is short for Exceptional Tortoise instead of Extra Teristerial.