Author Topic: Harriet dies aged 175 (Read 1398 times)

loulou · « **on:** June 26, 2006, 03:24:51 am »

Harriet The Tortoise Dies Aged 175

Harriet, the world famous giant tortoise has died at her zoo in Melbourne. 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.

oldspice · « **Reply #1 on:** June 26, 2006, 07:50:48 am »

Thanks for this story lou, it is heart-warming. Although it's sad that she has died, she obiously lived a long and happy life and brought happiness to thousands of people. God bless her.

minty · « **Reply #2 on:** June 26, 2006, 11:50:24 am »

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goldencup · « **Reply #3 on:** June 26, 2006, 05:19:06 pm »

I was very sad to see this news. I visited Harriet in Australia Zoo twice and fed her some lettuce. She was a grand old lady.

Jamsi · « **Reply #4 on:** June 26, 2006, 10:11:58 pm »

I heard this story on the radio and the bimbo presenter was asking how can a little tortoise weigh so much, she obviously thought it was a domestic tortoise DER!!!

oldspice · « **Reply #5 on:** June 26, 2006, 10:12:27 pm »

goldencup · « **Reply #6 on:** June 27, 2006, 08:45:54 am »

She was massive! Apparently they are going to preserve her shell.

Jamsi · « **Reply #7 on:** June 27, 2006, 02:26:29 pm »

I suppose it would make a nice house for someone!

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Author Topic: Harriet dies aged 175 (Read 1398 times)