A treasured 104-year-old gopher tortoise named Gus is receiving an outpouring of love and support globally as he prepares for surgery. Jeff Gray, the Museum of Natural History manager in Halifax where Gus resides, shared that since the announcement of Gus’s upcoming surgery to remove a bladder stone, hundreds of letters, cards, and artwork have been sent to him. The museum’s social media platforms have also been flooded with well wishes from people in Canada and beyond.
Gray expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response, highlighting the special connection people feel with Gus, especially those who have visited him over the years. 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 often accompany Gus on his daily walks around the museum grounds, where he enjoys basking under a heat lamp in his sandy enclosure.
As Gus gears up for surgery, he will be temporarily retiring from his public outings to recover in private. His veterinary team identified a bladder stone concern back in 2009, which has now grown and requires attention. Advanced veterinary techniques will enable the stone’s removal through a minimally invasive procedure on Gus’s leg. Gray emphasized the importance of addressing the issue to prevent any discomfort or complications for Gus moving forward.
Despite the typical lifespan of gopher tortoises in the wild being around 60 years, Gus’s exceptional care and environment have contributed to his longevity. Gray highlighted the risks involved in any surgery but expressed confidence in Gus’s resilience and the positive outcome the procedure aims to achieve. Gus’s dedicated fans and well-wishers, including visitors from different parts of the world, continue to rally behind him as he prepares for his surgery on Tuesday.
