The Saint Louis Zoo community faces a heartbreaking loss as one of its most beloved residents takes his final breath.
According to Breitbart News, Othello, an Aldabra giant tortoise estimated to be over 100 years old, was humanely euthanized due to complications from a gastrointestinal health issue at the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri.
The gentle giant arrived in the United States as a mature adult in 1938 alongside another Aldabra tortoise named Ray, who continues to reside at the zoo. Given that these tortoises require several decades to reach full maturity, zoo officials confirm that Othello had surpassed the century mark at the time of his passing.
Othello's remarkable life at the Saint Louis Zoo began during the Great Depression era, making him one of the oldest animals under the facility's care. His presence at the zoo witnessed numerous historical events and generations of visitors who formed special connections with him over the years.
The friendly tortoise became known for his sociable nature, often seeking interaction with his keepers and delighting countless zoo visitors. His personality helped create lasting memories for both staff members and guests throughout his extended lifetime.
The loss resonates deeply within the zoo community, where Othello served as an ambassador for his vulnerable species. The Aldabra giant tortoise population faces threats of extinction, representing one of the few remaining giant tortoise species globally.
The Saint Louis Zoo shared their emotional announcement through social media, acknowledging Othello's significant contribution to wildlife education and conservation efforts:
While we don't know his exact age, Othello was thought to be one of the oldest animals at the Saint Louis Zoo. Othello and Ray, another Aldabra giant tortoise still living at the Zoo, arrived in the U.S. as mature adults in 1938. Since it takes several decades for Aldabra giant tortoises to reach full size, Othello was well over 100 years old at the time of his passing.
These remarkable creatures have proven to be among Earth's most enduring species. According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Aldabra tortoises potentially represent the longest-living animals, though precise documentation remains challenging as they frequently outlive their scientific observers.
The species continues to thrive in their native habitat on the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, one of the world's largest coral islands. Their impressive size, with some individuals weighing over 575 pounds, makes them among the largest land tortoises on the planet.
Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes from visitors sharing their memories of Othello. Many expressed their appreciation for the exceptional care he received throughout his life at the Saint Louis Zoo.
Local residents have already begun suggesting ways to memorialize the celebrated tortoise, with some calling for the creation of a statue in his honor. The proposal reflects the deep impact Othello had on multiple generations of zoo visitors.
The zoo's dedication to providing outstanding care for Othello throughout his life demonstrates their commitment to wildlife conservation and education. His legacy will continue through ongoing efforts to protect and preserve his vulnerable species.
The Saint Louis Zoo's century-old resident, Othello the Aldabra giant tortoise, was humanely euthanized after developing severe digestive health issues. Having arrived at the zoo as a mature adult in 1938, he spent nearly nine decades delighting visitors and contributing to conservation awareness for his vulnerable species. The loss of this beloved ambassador leaves a lasting impact on the zoo community, while his companion Ray continues to carry on their shared legacy at the Saint Louis Zoo.
