Methuselah: gone but not forgotten - KOTA Territory News
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He was born in 1881 and died last year. But now his likeness will live on forever at Reptile Gardens.
Dozens gathered Tuesday to see the likeness of the giant Galapagos Tortoise Methuselah unveiled at Reptile Gardens.
The 160 pound bronze sculpture weighs about one-fifth the weight of the beloved tortoise who died last year at the age of 130.
Reptile Garden staff say Methuselah was officially the last giant tortoise to be taken from his native Galapagos Islands in 1954.
Since then he's called Reptile Gardens home, and provided delight to thousands throughout the decades.
"Methuselah was undoubtedly one of the most photographed animals in the United States. We have people who remember Methuselah from the 50's, the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, from the new century," said John Brockelsby, Public Relations manager at Reptile Gardens.
July 10th has officially been declared as 'Go Slow Day' by Governor Dennis Daugaard in honor of Methuselah's century-plus legacy.
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