Animals - Aquariums - Archeology - Insects - Fossils - Zoos
1968 - Nine Giant Tortoises Move House At The Zoo: Nine rare Giant Tortoises today moved house at the London Zoo. They have spent the winter months in private quarters inside the Reptle House, and are now taking up residence in their new exhibition grotto just inside the house. Their new home previously housed display tanks for the exhibition of amphibians, and this area has been redesigned by members of the London Zoo Architects Department to provide a realistic setting for these giant reptiles. The giant Tortoises living in the new enclosure will be: 4 Porter's Blaackish Tortoises from the Galapagos Islands, The largest of theses is Methusula, weighing over 400 lbs. He has lived at the London Zoo since May 1924, and is the London Zoo's longest residing and oldest animal - he is over 100 years old, The other three Porter's Blackish tortoises weigh approx. 265 lbs, 285 lbs and 175 lbs each, and 3 South Albermarle Tortoises from the Galapagos Islands, weighing close on 250 lbs. each. Photo shows: A photographer lies full length to get a close of Methusula - which weighs over 400 lbs - at the London Zoo today
