A cherished 104-year-old gopher tortoise named Gus is receiving an outpouring of love and support from well-wishers worldwide as he prepares for surgery. Jeff Gray, the Museum of Natural History manager in Halifax where Gus resides, mentioned that since the announcement of Gus’s upcoming surgery to remove a bladder stone, the museum has been flooded with hundreds of letters, cards, and artwork dedicated to the tortoise. Messages of encouragement have poured in from people in Canada and beyond, reflecting a shared connection with Gus that spans generations.
Describing the sentimental bond people have with Gus, Gray highlighted how visitors who once saw Gus as children are now returning with their own children and grandchildren to share in the experience. Gus, believed to be the oldest gopher tortoise globally, has been a fixture at the Museum of Natural History since 1942 when he was acquired for $5 in Florida. Regularly, visitors can accompany Gus on his daily walks around the museum grounds, where he enjoys the outdoors when the weather is pleasant and explores indoor exhibits during inclement weather.
Gus’s surgery is necessitated by a bladder stone discovered by his veterinary team in 2009, which has grown in size and is now causing discomfort. Advanced veterinary techniques will allow the stone to be removed through a minor leg incision, a less invasive procedure compared to past methods. Despite the risks associated with surgery, the museum staff and Gus’s medical team are optimistic that the operation will ensure Gus’s continued well-being.
In an unusual turn, Gus’s surgery highlights the longevity and care provided in captivity compared to the shorter life expectancy of wild tortoises due to human-related threats. Gus’s recovery will involve a period of rest away from public view to allow for healing. The surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, following Gus’s final public walk on Monday. Visitors and well-wishers are united in their hope for Gus’s successful surgery and ongoing health.