A cherished 104-year-old gopher tortoise named Gus is being showered with love and support worldwide as he prepares for surgery. Jeff Gray, the Museum of Natural History’s manager in Halifax where Gus resides, shared that since the announcement of Gus’s upcoming bladder stone surgery, the museum has received hundreds of letters, cards, and artwork dedicated to him. Messages pouring in from across Canada and beyond on the museum’s social media platforms reflect the universal connection people feel with Gus, who has been a part of the museum since 1942 when he was purchased for $5 in Florida.
Gray expressed the sentiment of nostalgia among visitors who grew up visiting Gus and now bring their own children and grandchildren to meet him. As the oldest known gopher tortoise globally, Gus has become a beloved figure at the museum, engaging daily in walks around the premises to the delight of visitors. His routine includes leisurely strolls in the outdoor yard during warm weather and exploring indoor exhibits on cooler or rainy days.
Visitors, like Becky Cooper and her son Spike from Maine, were captivated by Gus during their recent visit. Spike, in particular, was fascinated by the tortoise and expressed hope for his successful surgery. Another visitor, Hannah Doktor, shared her deep admiration for Gus, describing him as someone she deeply cares for.
Gus will temporarily pause his public walks post-surgery for a few weeks to recover in private. Gray mentioned that Gus’s veterinary team identified the bladder stone issue back in 2009, with recent scans revealing its enlargement and impact on nearby tissue. Advancements in veterinary surgery now allow for a minimally invasive procedure to remove the stone through a small leg incision, a significant improvement from previous methods that involved drilling through the shell.
Despite the risks associated with surgery, the museum staff and veterinary team are optimistic about Gus’s future well-being. Gray emphasized the uncommon nature of performing surgery on a reptile over a century old and highlighted the care Gus receives in captivity, which significantly extends his lifespan compared to wild gopher tortoises.
Gus’s surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, following which he will resume his daily walks. The outpouring of support for Gus underscores the special place he holds in the hearts of people worldwide.