REST IN PEACE 🙏 The zoo announced one of its oldest animals had [di.ed] from declining health. The tortoise named Othello arrived in the U.S. in 1938.

What a beautiful young boy turtle! He lived a wonderful era! So very [s.a.d]. He was loved and well taken care of…!!!
Bless all his caretakers for giving him a wonderful long life. RIP Othello.💚🐢💚

The Saint Louis Zoo announced Thursday that one of its oldest animals had [di.ed].
Zoo staff said: The animal was a long-time ambassador for his species, bringing conservation awareness to millions.

Zoo staff said: Othello, a centenarian Aldabra giant tortoise, was humanely [e.ut.ha.ni.zed] on Tuesday due to declining health from a gastrointestinal issue. While the zoo didn’t know his exact age, experts estimate he was well over 100 years old at the time of his [de.at.h]. The tortoises take several decades to reach full size, and Othello arrived in the U.S. as a mature adult in 1938.

The Zoo said: He had a warm, engaging nature and regularly sought out interactions with people. Othello was a guest favorite during our public tortoise tours the 20 years since his arrival in 2004.

Often delighting visitors by eagerly accepting carrots—one of his favorite treats. He was also known to recognize his keepers, frequently seeking them out for attention. Keepers always readily reciprocated and loved spending time with him, especially when he stretched out his neck for gentle scratches.

The zoo said: Othello served as a conservation ambassador for his species, which is considered [vu.lnera.ble] to [e.xti.nct.ion] and is among the last species of giant tortoise still on Earth. His long life brought awareness to the [plight] of his species to millions.

Another Aldabra giant tortoise named Ray joined the zoo with Othello in 2004. Ray still lives at the zoo and can be seen by guests in the zoo’s Historic Hill zone.

Thank you to all the keepers, staff, volunteers and guests who knew and loved Othello over the years. He was in the best of care…
He was a beautiful, old soul who reached millions of people, and he will be missed terribly.
God bless you.🙏

Watch the precious video below: