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This adorable old man resides at a science center in Greensboro, where they have an active conservation and husbandry program for a number of animal species. He's an Aldabra tortoise, the 2nd largest breed in the world. They weight 350-500 pounds and live to be over 100 years old, outliving the scientists that study them. The oldest Aldabra tortoise on record is 152 years old! Though they move slowly they are pretty agile and are able to stand on their hind legs in order to reach leaves off of low hanging branches. No low hanging branches? They're strong enough that they will use their great strength to knock over a tree in order to bring the branches down to them. Their natural habitat is on an island in the Indian Ocean, just off the coast of Africa and they are a protected species because they were nearly extinct by 1900 due to over-hunting. Happily, their numbers are increasing and this protected status remains.
I just love this face!
11 comments:
It's funny because I never see this kind of animal on the road or at the roadside where I live (mostly I see hedgehogs, rabbits and sometimes wild boars or deer)! It's so exotic for me! It's a strange and peaceful animal, I understand you can love it.
I think I prefer tortoises than water turtles because these ones are more aggressive, right?
We don't see too many turtles where I live because we are farther away from the creek, but one year I planted cantalope and never got to eat it because the turtles loved it. I am usually having to slow down for the deer each morning.
He's a big handsome fellow.
Last summer a (much smaller!) snapping turtle was on our property and I was amazed at how fast he moved to get to the pond.
Wow, 152 years old. This is a long time.If he knew everything that happened in the many years!
That IS a great face!
I see a lot of cows, but never a big turtle. He's a beauty. I esp. love the wisdom that is in those eyes. He seems quite content too --- a lesson a lot of folks could use.
Wonderful representation of slow!:>)
Yes, great face! And perfect topic for SLOW!!
I`m sure there is a lot we can learn from him;))
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Great shot!!
he is such a beauty. i take really kindly to his genteel face, peaceful in a way. and forceful.
n♥
i can't imagine seeing them in the wild, and on the road! lad ones are protected over here, and illegal to sell.
I had a pet turtle as a child and I just lost my old frog pet at the age of 13..I am thinking of getting a rescued turtle..Michelle
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