Tortoises were a type of reptile.
The Doctor frequently stated that "sleep was for tortoises". (TV: The Talons of Weng-Chiang [+]Robert Holmes, Doctor Who season 14 (BBC1, 1977)., Knock Knock [+]Mike Bartlett, Doctor Who series 10 (BBC One, 2017).; PROSE: Timewyrm: Exodus [+]Terrance Dicks, Virgin New Adventures (Virgin Books, 1991)., The Scales of Injustice [+]Gary Russell, Virgin Missing Adventures (Virgin Books, 1996)., Deadly Reunion [+]Terrance Dicks and Barry Letts, BBC Past Doctor Adventures (BBC Books, 2003)., The Last Dodo [+]Jacqueline Rayner, BBC New Series Adventures (BBC Books, 2007).; AUDIO: Other Lives [+]Gary Hopkins, Main Range (Big Finish Productions, 2005)., Red [+]Stewart Sheargold, Main Range (Big Finish Productions, 2006)., The Mists of Time [+]Jonathan Morris, The Companion Chronicles (Big Finish Productions, 2009).; COMIC: In-Between Times [+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.) Sherlock Holmes once said it to Dr. John Watson. (PROSE: All-Consuming Fire [+]Andy Lane, Virgin New Adventures (Virgin Books, 1994).)
History[]
Earth[]
Giant tortoises were native to the Galápagos Islands. In 1835, they were the staple diet of the islands, much to the surprise of Evelyn Smythe. Governor Lawson had eaten tortoise so often that he could identify which island they came from just by their taste. (AUDIO: Bloodtide [+]Jonathan Morris, Main Range (Big Finish Productions, 2001).)
In the 26th century, Bernice Summerfield's friend Simon Kyle kept reconstituted Galapagos tortoises as pets. (PROSE: The Highest Science [+]Gareth Roberts, Virgin New Adventures (Virgin Books, 1993)., Return of the Living Dad [+]Kate Orman, Virgin New Adventures (Virgin Books, 1996).)
Tortoises were among the animals on board the Ark circa 10,000,000. (PROSE: The Ark [+]Paul Erickson, adapted from The Ark (Paul Erickson and Lesley Scott), Target novelisations (Target Books, 1987).)
Elsewhere[]
The planet Go-Ray was home to at least one species of tortoise or tortoise-like creature, one of which was discovered by John and Gillian. Due to the high levels of cardium on the planet, the tortoise was able to move very rapidly. (COMIC: Enter: The Go-Ray [+]Bill Mevin, TVC comic stories (1965).)
The Third Doctor and Jo Grant once got into a dangerous situation involving a number of giant tortoises which was caused by the Master. After Jo was captured, the Doctor was forced to lower himself down a pit three miles deep and communicate using only his eyes to negotiate for her release. (AUDIO: The Last Fairy Tale [+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.)
