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. -
Kadoka native Earl Brockelsby opened Reptile Gardens in 1937. -
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. -
Johnny Brockelsby, Earl's son and now the director of public relations at Reptile Gardens, remembers riding on the giant tortoise as a kid. -
Johnny, here with Janet (Brockelsby) Jacobs, was just three when his father brought Methuselah to the Gardens. -
Methuselah was still giving rides up until a few years ago. -
Every year, Methuselah celebrated his birthday in June with a watermelon feast. -
You can share your Methuselah memories and photos on our Facebook page.
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