We are home to one giant African land snail at the zoo in our Wee Beasties enclosure.

FACT FILE

• Giant African land snails are one of the world’s most invasive species, threatening native plants in any areas they appear
• They can be as large as an adult man’s fist!
• Giant African land snails need a steady supply of calcium to grow. To get it they feed on bones, eggshells, oysters and the shells of other snails. They’ll even eat human-made calcium sources like stucco, concrete and paint
• A single snail can produce 1200 eggs a year
• Giant African land snails are nocturnal, moving around at night to feed on a wide range of plants. Although native to Africa, this species has been introduced to many parts of the world over time and today can be found on all continents except Antarctica. Spot our Giant African land snails in our Wee Beasties area.

HOW WE'RE HELPING

Like all the animals in our care our giant African land snails are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation