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At St Andrews, we’re proud of our academic achievements, school spirit, and strong sense of community. Now, we’re excited to officially introduce two very special members of our STA family: Amber and Neo, two female Sulcata tortoises.
They may not race to class or join a study group, but they’ve already made a big impression on our students with their gentle personalities and calming presence. Whether you're new to St Andrews or a longtime student, Amber and Neo are here to remind us all to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the journey.
Amber and Neo are Sulcata tortoises. Once the size of a palm, these gentle giants are the third-largest tortoise species in the world, sometimes growing over two feet long and weighing more than 45 kilograms. Native to the Sahara Desert, they’re perfectly adapted to hot, arid environments, making them very adaptable to Bangkok’s climate. Sulcatas are also incredible at conserving water; they can go a long time without drinking and even reuse stored moisture to stay hydrated. When the sun gets too hot, they dig deep burrows to keep cool underground.
Known for their gentle personalities and unique charm, Amber and Neo are naturally calm and curious, and enjoy exploring their surroundings, basking in the warmth, and indulging in their favourite treats, like fresh fruits and vegetables. Their peaceful presence and steady nature make them wonderful companions to students and staff alike.
Amber and Neo live in a custom-built habitat located at High School, designed to keep them healthy, happy, and comfortable. Look out for this colourful signpost, which Year 9 students created as part of their elective course in Enhancing your Canva skills, introducing our shell-ebrities and sharing fun facts about them.
Students are welcome to visit during the school day, and you'll often spot them featured as special guests in learning experiences and ECAs such as the Adventure in Nature. It’s especially exciting for our Primary School students when they have the opportunity to visit Amber and Neo and interact with them. Their space offers a peaceful spot for a quick mental break during the school day, and their calm presence has made them a beloved part of daily life at St. Andrews.
Amber and Neo will be starring in ‘Tortoise Talks’, a social media series offering practical tips for student life and well-being, covering topics such as time management and self-care. You can follow Amber and Neo’s adventures on our Facebook and Instagram pages, where they'll be sharing regular updates, helpful tips, and maybe even a few slow-motion snack videos.