News release

World's Oldest Gopher Tortoise Passes Milestone

Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

Slow and steady is working for Gus, the world's oldest living gopher tortoise, who is celebrating his 87th birthday, Sunday, Aug. 16, from 2:30 pm. to 4:30 p.m., at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax.

It has not been the quiet life that most tortoises lead. Gus has been kidnapped and returned twice, been a ring bearer at a wedding and has met several celebrities since coming to the museum in 1942. His shell wears a gentle sheen from being touched by more than a million children's hands.

Janet Maltby, museum manager, is planning a party for Gus and everyone is invited to attend.

"Sunday is a special day. Along with Gus and our staff of naturalists, we're very happy to host several local turtle species and the conservationists who help protect them.

"The museum will be showing a live wood turtle and endangered Blanding's Turtle along with our own painted turtles. Our butterfly house will be open and full of new rainforest butterflies."

But the highlight is at 3 p.m., when Gus is presented with his birthday cake and shares it with everyone. And what kind of cake does an 87-year-old tortoise get? Peanut-free, vanilla cake with icing. Gus, with his usual calm demeanor, will be enjoying strawberries at the same time.

For more information on current exhibits and programs, please visit museum.gov.ns.ca/mnh/ or call 902-424-6099.