Tank the giant tortoise moves into new enclosure

Oaklands College’s very own African-spurred tortoise, fondly known as “Tank”, moved into his brand new enclosure this week.

Willmott Dixon, who are managing the £62m redevelopment of the St Albans campus, offered to help transform Tank’s enclosure after Oaklands College were required to create a new enclosure in order to maintain its Zoo License.

Tank is a major part of The Habitat Centre, attracts hundreds of visitors and is a fan favourite at the colleges Animal Antics children’s parties.
As part of his new enclosure, Willmott Dixon have more than tripled the area in which Tank is free to roam, installing a bespoke water hole as well as a brand new heated sleeping area within “Tank’s Tunnel”.

Additionally, the project encouraged participation from across Oaklands College, with Level 1 Art & Design students contributing and decorating the artistic wall mural, within the enclosure.

Horticulture students will also maintain the upkeep of the soiled flower beds within the enclosure.

Aneesa Kiana, Head of Land Based Industries said: “As part of our Zoo Licence agreement, discussed in our annual Ethics Meeting, our immediate recommendation was to build Tank’s Enclosure.

We are ever so grateful to Willmott Dixon for creating Tank’s new home. Tank’s enclosure was decorated by our Level 1 Art and Design students and will be maintained by our Horticulture students.”

Simon Ramage, director at Willmott Dixon said: “We were delighted to help Oaklands College provide Tank with a new home and it’s great to see him settling in! A big thank you to our supply chain partners who worked alongside us.”