At the age of 105, a’much-loved’ giant tortoise and Blackpool Zoo’s longest-staying inhabitant passed away. Darwin the Aldabra tortoise survived two world wars and two worldwide pandemics before passing away.
Since the zoo’s founding 50 years ago, the ‘irreplaceable’ and ‘iconic’ reptiles has been a popular. Before his health worsened, he was undergoing professional care for a leg ailment, according to zookeepers.
Despite conferring with top vets from across the globe, the zoo claimed it had to make the’very tough choice’ to put him down. Darwin arrived at the zoo before it opened in 1972 and became a legendary resident over his five decades there.
‘He was a tremendous connection for so many people to reptile passion, and he has really encouraged the next generation of conservationists,’ a spokeswoman added.
Darwin was born in 1916 and seen 20 prime ministers and four monarchs come and go, as well as the development of television and the moon landings.
‘He was an essential part of the zoo’s history.’
‘He had a personality to match his girth, and all of our guests adored him.’
‘Staff and keepers are very grieved by his loss and are comforted by the many sympathy letters we’ve received.’
The species, which originated in the Seychelles’ Aldabra Atoll, is one of the world’s longest-living creatures.
Darwin, who was born in 1916, saw 20 prime ministers and four kings come and go, as well as the development of television and the moon landings.
Since the zoo’s founding in 1972, ‘he was extremely popular’ and had ‘inspired environmentalists,’ according to the zoo.
