A cherished 104-year-old gopher tortoise named Gus is being showered with love and support from well-wishers globally prior to his upcoming surgery. Gus, who resides at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax, has received numerous letters, cards, and artworks since the announcement of his surgery for a bladder stone scheduled for Tuesday. The museum’s social media platforms have also been inundated with messages from individuals in Canada and beyond, extending their best wishes to Gus.
Jeff Gray, the museum’s manager, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of affection towards Gus, highlighting the deep connection people have with the tortoise. Gus, believed to be the oldest gopher tortoise worldwide, has been a fixture at the museum since 1942 when he was acquired for $5 in Florida. Visitors regularly accompany Gus on his daily strolls around the museum, whether outdoors in the grassy yard or indoors during inclement weather.
Following the surgery, Gus will recuperate privately at the museum for several weeks, pausing his public walks. Despite the risks associated with the procedure, the veterinary team remains optimistic about Gus’s prospects for a healthy future. Gray noted that while bladder stones are common among tortoises, surgery on a reptile over a century old is uncommon. Gus’s good health and care in captivity have contributed to his longevity, contrasting with the perils faced by wild gopher tortoises due to human activities.
As Gus prepares for his surgery, visitors like Carolyn Koslowski and Pia Pirzer, exchange students from Germany, marveled at his charm. They expressed hope for Gus’s successful surgery and recovery. Gus’s final public walk before his surgery is scheduled for Monday, maintaining his routine despite the upcoming medical procedure.
