A well-loved 104-year-old gopher tortoise named Gus is being showered with support and good wishes from fans worldwide as he prepares for upcoming surgery. Jeff Gray, the Museum of Natural History manager in Halifax, where Gus resides, shared that an outpouring of love has been shown through hundreds of letters, cards, and art pieces sent to the tortoise following the announcement of his surgery to remove a bladder stone. The museum’s social media channels have also been flooded with messages of encouragement from people across Canada and beyond, all rooting for Gus’s successful operation.
Gray expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response, highlighting the special bond people feel with Gus, as visitors spanning generations continue to cherish their interactions with the tortoise. Believed to hold the title of the oldest gopher tortoise globally, Gus has been a cherished resident of the Museum of Natural History since 1942 when he was acquired for $5 in Florida. His daily routine includes leisurely strolls around the museum grounds, both outdoors in warm weather and inside during inclement conditions, delighting visitors with his presence.
As Gus gears up for his surgery, visitors like Becky Cooper and her son Spike, who were visiting from Maine, marveled at the tortoise’s charm and resilience. The Coopers joined other admirers in expressing well wishes for Gus’s recovery post-surgery. Meanwhile, university students from Germany, Carolyn Koslowski and Pia Pirzer, were captivated by Gus’s adorable demeanor and hoped for his successful surgery, acknowledging his robust health despite his age.
Gray mentioned that while bladder stones are not uncommon among tortoises, the surgical procedure planned for Gus has shown promise in similar cases, albeit being rare for a reptile over a century old. Gus’s enduring health and the dedicated care he receives in captivity contribute to his longevity, contrasting the challenges faced by wild tortoises due to human activities encroaching on their habitats.
With Gus’s surgery scheduled, the museum staff and veterinary team remain optimistic about the procedure’s outcome, aiming to secure a healthy and comfortable future for the beloved tortoise. Despite a temporary halt to his public walks during recovery, Gus’s spirit continues to uplift visitors, who eagerly anticipate his return to his regular routine post-surgery.