10th August 2006

Tortoise Dies Aged 175

Read more: Loss Wildlife | Comments (0)

Harriet, the world famous giant tortoise, has died at her zoo in Melbourne, reports MSN. She was aged about 175.

Harriet was born in 1830 and brought to England by Charles Darwin. In 1842 John Wickam retired from the English Navy and brought Harriet back with him to Australia. Up until her death, Harriet was the oldest living tortoise of her sub-species and the oldest Tortoise in captivity.

John Hangar, senior vet at the Australian Zoo, told journalists that Harriet had died of heart failure following a short illness. She died peacefully in her sleep.

Staff at the zoo had thrown a party just a few months ago to celebrate Harriet’s 175th birthday. She had lived at the zoo for 17 years and was considered the star attraction.

Zoo staff credited her longevity to a stress-free life.

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