TWO giant tortoises from Jersey Zoo have travelled more than 200 miles to have special health scans in a machine usually used for horses.
Biggy, who is thought to be more than 80 years old, and 27-year-old Mike each weigh more than 150kg.
Last month, they travelled by ferry and van to the Royal Veterinary College in Hertfordshire.
It is one of only two places in the UK with a CT scanner big enough for animals their size.
A CT scan is a type of detailed medical scan that helps vets look inside the body, sort of like an X-ray.
The journey took months of planning between Jersey Zoo and the specialist team.
Before the scans, both tortoises were given an anaesthetic, which meant they were asleep during the procedure.
Mike’s scan was carried out to investigate pain in one of his front legs that had been difficult to diagnose. Biggy’s scan was needed to examine a lump near the base of his tail.
The results showed that Mike has osteoarthritis in his right shoulder. Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes joints to become stiff and painful.
Thanks to the scan, the zoo’s vets can now give him treatment and plan the best long-term care.
Experts are still studying Biggy’s scan because his case is more complicated.
The Royal Veterinary College said the visit was a real team effort, with specialists from different departments helping to care for the tortoises.
One vet even joked that the pair “definitely won some fans” during their stay.
Jersey Zoo says it was a huge effort to get Mike and Biggy to the specialist scanner, but the trip has provided important information about their health.
The knowledge gained could also help vets and keepers care for Aldabra giant tortoises in zoos across Europe, meaning the journey may benefit many more tortoises in the future.
