Pancake tortoises, an endangered species, have arrived at the All Things Wild Zoo, Worcestershire, in time for Shrove Tuesday.
Dutch, Nate and Blueberry, seized by UK Border Force twenty-three years ago, travelled from Tropical World Zoo in Leeds.
Matthew Parker, animal manager, said: "Pancake Tortoises continue to face a huge number of threats in the wild.
"Their unique appearance makes them a popular choice in the illegal pet trade, whilst economic development in their home country means that there is less and less habitat available for this critically endangered species."
Differentiated by their flat appearance, pancake tortoises are native to Tanzania and Kenya.
However, they are declared critically endangered by the International Union of Conservation for Nature.
Their pet trade popularity is causing their wild numbers to dwindle, with live tortoises being illegally poached from their native range on a regular basis to meet demand in Europe and Asia.
It has been estimated that less than 5,000 remain in the wild.
Pancake tortoises have soft undersides to their shell, which enables them to squeeze into rocky terrains’ crevices.
Mr Parker added: "Anybody considering keeping a pancake tortoise as a pet should reconsider as these animals require very specific environmental conditions.
"Blueberry and Dutch have had an eventful life having been seized by UK customs officers over twenty-three years ago.
"We‘re delighted to have them at All Things Wild where our team of qualified zookeepers will ensure they have everything they need to thrive for years to come."
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