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Goodbye to South Dakota's Favorite Tortoise

Jul 12, 2011

Reptile Gardens near Rapid City houses some of the world's deadliest snakes, most exotic birds and even a modern-day dragon. Still, old Methuselah, the 600-pound Galapagos tortoise, was a favorite amongst visitors. Methuselah died this week at the ripe old age of 130. Folks at Reptile Gardens are planning a tribute in the near future for their old friend. Photos by Joe Maierhauser, Earl Brockelsby and Chad Coppess from S.D. Tourism.

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Methuselah came to Reptile Gardens in 1954 from the Galapagos Islands, long before the animal was placed on the endangered species list.
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Kadoka native Earl Brockelsby opened Reptile Gardens in 1937.
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Brockelsby kept snakes as pets, and his front yard often teemed with people wanting to see them. He built a small structure south of Rapid City and brought in $3.85 on the first day.
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Johnny Brockelsby, Earl's son and now the director of public relations at Reptile Gardens, remembers riding on the giant tortoise as a kid.
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Johnny, here with Janet (Brockelsby) Jacobs, was just three when his father brought Methuselah to the Gardens.
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Methuselah was still giving rides up until a few years ago.
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Every year, Methuselah celebrated his birthday in June with a watermelon feast.
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You can share your Methuselah memories and photos on our Facebook page.

Comments

12:55 pm - Wed, July 13 2011

Darcy Rollins Story said:

I'm from Ekalaka, Mt. & went there as a kid also, like I'm sure so many of us have, what a neat place Reptile Gardens is. I so remember that HUGE tortoise, he was cool, glad he got to live as long as he did, I'm sure many dont get to do that!!

07:11 pm - Wed, July 13 2011

Joan Dendinger said:

I live in California and heard the news on NPR this morning. My girls met Methuselah last summer, but I remember him from the 60's when he was still giving rides.