Surabaya, East Java, Sept. 2 -- The Surabaya Zoo has added four Aldabra giant tortoises to its collection through a partnership with Japan's iZoo, marking the first time the century-old institution has housed the species.

The acquisition includes one male and three females imported from Shizuoka, Japan.

Native to the Seychelles' Aldabra Atoll, the species ranks among the world's largest land tortoises, trailing only the Galapagos tortoise.

"Since KBS opened, we have never had Aldabra tortoises. This is the first time we have brought them here," said KBS Operations Director Nurika Widyasanti on Tuesday, using the zoo's Indonesian acronym.

"The species will provide a new attraction and an educational opportunity to raise public awarenes...