A beloved 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’s manager in Halifax, where Gus resides, shared that numerous letters, get-well cards, and artworks have flooded in for Gus following the announcement of his upcoming surgery to remove a bladder stone. The museum’s social media platforms have also been inundated with thousands of messages from individuals in Canada and beyond, expressing their best wishes for Gus.
Gray expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support, highlighting the deep connection people have with Gus, spanning generations. Visitors who encountered Gus as children now return with their own children and grandchildren to witness his daily walks at the museum. Gus, believed to be the oldest gopher tortoise globally, has been a fixture at the Museum of Natural History since 1942 when he was purchased for $5 in Florida.
Regularly, Gus delights visitors with his leisurely walks around the museum’s grounds, whether outdoors in the sunny weather or indoors during colder or rainy days. Observers often find him basking under a heat lamp in his cozy enclosure. However, Gus will be taking a temporary hiatus from his public strolls to recuperate in private post-surgery.
The surgical team overseeing Gus’s procedure identified a bladder stone concern back in 2009, which has since grown and is now impacting nearby tissue. Advancements in veterinary surgery have enabled a less invasive method to remove the stone through a small incision in Gus’s leg, unlike the previously considered shell-drilling approach. Gray emphasized the importance of addressing the stone promptly to prevent potential discomfort and organ complications for Gus.
Although bladder stones are common in tortoises, surgical success stories for gopher tortoises of Gus’s age are rare. Gray reassured that despite the inherent risks, the surgery aims to provide Gus with a healthier and pain-free future. Gus’s longevity in captivity contrasts with the challenges faced by wild tortoises due to human-related threats like habitat destruction and road accidents.
As Gus prepares for his surgery scheduled for Tuesday, visitors continue to flock to witness his public walks, with Monday marking the final opportunity before his medical procedure. The museum staff and veterinary team remain optimistic about Gus’s prospects and believe the surgery offers him the best chance at a comfortable and extended lifespan.
