Durban’s beloved resident and South Africa’s oldest tortoise, The Admiral, celebrated his 120th birthday on Tuesday, September 24.
Known as a living legend, The Admiral has lived through pivotal moments in history, from world wars to the end of Apartheid, making him an icon of resilience and endurance.
The Mitchell Park Zoo, The Admiral’s home for many years, hosted a public celebration with a special birthday cake and a range of activities to mark the occasion.
A highlight of the day was the launch of the Mitchell Park Zoo Little Library, encouraging young readers to learn more about animals and conservation.
As a gesture of appreciation for the public’s on-going support, all entry fees to the zoo and park were waived for the day. Guests were also encouraged to take fruit and vegetable offerings for Admiral, who has been a cherished part of the zoo’s history for generations.
Information on Admiral’s Facebook page says that a naval officer, in 1915, during World War 1, left three giant tortoises in the care of the supervisor at Mitchell Park Zoo in Durban.
“The officer, who brought the tortoises from the Aldabra Islands in the extreme south of the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, promised to collect them the next day when he resumed his duties.
“The officer did not return. In fact, the zoo never saw the tortoise’s owner again, the seafarer presumably having become caught up in the war.
“One tortoise of the original three – a male – who survived for almost a century, awaits the return of the officer to this day.
“In August 2001 the 300kg tortoise was named The Admiral and made an honorary member of the Durban naval base since he has been part of the Durban community for so long and has a naval background.
“Before refrigeration facilities, giant tortoises were a source of protein for the many sailors who spent months at sea.
“The fact that these tortoises could live for a long time without food or water made them invaluable to the men who had to live on meagre rations for a long time.
Whether The Admiral was meant to be a food source, or had been rescued from the pot remains a mystery,” reads the post.
Contact the Mitchell Park Zoo on 031 322 9103 or 067 319 5645.
