A treasured 104-year-old gopher tortoise named Gus is being showered with affection and good wishes from well-wishers worldwide in anticipation of his upcoming surgery.
Jeff Gray, the Museum of Natural History manager in Halifax, where Gus resides, shared that an outpouring of support has been received for Gus in the form of hundreds of letters, cards, and artwork since the announcement of his surgery scheduled for Tuesday to address a bladder stone. Messages from well-wishers across Canada and beyond have flooded the museum’s social media platforms, demonstrating the widespread love for Gus.
Gray expressed gratitude for the shared connection people have with Gus, recounting how visitors who met Gus as children now bring their own children and grandchildren to see him, creating a sense of nostalgia and continuity across generations.
Gus holds the distinction of being the oldest known gopher tortoise globally. He has been a fixture at the Museum of Natural History since 1942, when he was purchased for $5 in Florida. Born around 1922, Gus captivates visitors with his daily strolls around the museum grounds, whether basking in the sun outdoors or exploring indoor exhibits during inclement weather.
Ahead of his surgery, Gus will temporarily retreat from his public walks to recover in private at the museum for several weeks. The veterinary team overseeing Gus’s care identified a bladder stone in 2009, and a recent scan revealed its growth, necessitating the upcoming procedure.
Gray highlighted the advancements in veterinary surgery that will allow the stone’s removal through a small incision in Gus’s leg, avoiding more invasive methods used in the past. While there are inherent risks with any surgery, Gray remains optimistic that the procedure will enhance Gus’s comfort and well-being.
Visitors, like university students Carolyn Koslowski and Pia Pirzer from Germany, expressed admiration for Gus during their first meeting with the venerable tortoise. Gray emphasized the importance of Gus’s secure environment in captivity, which contributes to his longevity compared to wild tortoises facing threats from human activities.
As Gus prepares for his surgery, supporters can look forward to his continued public walks until Monday, marking his final stroll before the procedure on Tuesday.