Country’s oldest tortoise Admiral turns 105
HE does not look a day older than 100.
But, Admiral, the tortoise living at Mitchell Park Zoo, celebrated his 105th birthday on Friday.
He spent his birthday in his pen alongside two fellow female tortoises with a birthday lunch consisting of fruit and vegetables.
This is also mating season and according to management Admiral is still active, so they hope he might impregnate one of the two sharing the pen with him.
Admiral spends his day entertaining children and adults alike with his size and speed.
He also enjoys a nap in the pond when the weather is hot.
Tozi Mthethwa, eThekwini Municipality spokeswoman, said he was currently the oldest tortoise in the country and played a significant role in drawing in tourists to the zoo.
“He has been ‘adopted’ by a New York man who visits every year to feed Admiral lettuce. Admiral is set to one day be added to the Guinness World Records for being one of the oldest tortoises in the world. The current record holder is Jonathan the Tortoise, who is 184 years old and lives in St Helena.
“The zoo’s management is currently looking at ways that Admiral’s living quarters can be upgraded. The Mitchell Park Zoo Trust is assisting in the raising of funds and awareness for improvements to the zoo.” Mthethwa said.
Admiral arrived at Mitchell Park about 105 years ago, courtesy of an unknown naval officer who brought three giant tortoises to the park during World War I.
He had found them in the Seychelles in 1915, according to Mitchell Park archives.
The officer, presumed killed in action, never returned to claim his pets, and Admiral has been at the park ever since, outliving the other two.