A cherished 104-year-old gopher tortoise named Gus is receiving an outpouring of support and well wishes from admirers worldwide as he prepares for an upcoming surgery. Jeff Gray, the Museum of Natural History manager in Halifax, where Gus resides, shared that numerous letters, get-well cards, and artworks have been sent to Gus since the announcement of his scheduled surgery to remove a bladder stone. Messages of support for Gus have flooded the museum’s social media accounts, coming from individuals in Canada and beyond.
Gray expressed his appreciation for the widespread affection towards Gus, noting the significant impact the tortoise has had on visitors of all generations who have fond memories of encountering him at the museum. Believed to be the oldest gopher tortoise globally, Gus has been a fixture at the Museum of Natural History since 1942 when he was acquired for $5 in Florida. Visitors often join Gus on his daily walks around the museum grounds, observing his leisurely strolls and occasional indoor explorations.
Gus will temporarily halt his public walks to recover privately at the museum post-surgery. Gray revealed that veterinary specialists identified a bladder stone in Gus back in 2009, with recent scans indicating its growth and potential impact on surrounding tissue. Advances in veterinary surgery now allow for a minimally invasive procedure to address the stone without drilling through Gus’s shell, ensuring a smoother recovery process.
While bladder stones are common among tortoises, surgery on a centenarian reptile like Gus is rare. Due to his advanced age, the museum staff and veterinary team are cautiously optimistic about the procedure’s success and its potential to enhance Gus’s quality of life. Gus’s admirers, including visitors from around the world, are hopeful for his swift recovery and continued well-being post-surgery.