Tortoises do not occur naturally on Bird Island. Two tortoises were introduced to the Island in 1967, one of these was Esmeralda, the world's most famous, and possibly largest, giant land tortoise.

In the late '90's people became more aware of tortoises and their needs. Bird Island became a haven for several giant land tortoises from Mahé and Praslin as their owners felt they should have their freedom and not be kept captive in small muddy pens with limited food and water available.

A female Radiated tortoise was found on the island in 1967. Its origins remain a mystery to this day. In 1993 a young mature male was introduced as a mate, but today, 10 years later,  none of her eggs have been fertile.