Idaho Falls Zoo still mourns the loss of Aldabra tortoise
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - It is a time of mourning and grieving at the Idaho Falls Zoo.
Aldabra tortoise, Butros, passed away in the middle of January. On Thursday, the zoo dedicated a personal message to him.
After roaming around for over a century, Butros passed away in the middle of January.
His exact age cannot be determined. He was born in captivity, but his birth is traced back to the late 1800's making him somewhere between the age of 130 to 160.
Butros arrived at the Idaho Falls Zoo in 1993. People would watch him munch on leaves, take a dip in the water, or sunbathe for the past 30 years. In the winter, he enjoyed neck scratches, treats, and a nice heated barn.
Butros was one of two Aldabra tortoises purchased in 1993. Omar was Butros' partner and best friend all of those years.
"Omar is a social tortoise. He does love attention. And so, on the one hand, our animal care staff is really up their games and giving him a little more attention and more time. But in addition to that, we are exploring the options of another Aldabra tortoise," executive director David Pennock said.
The process is a lengthy and zoo official will not have any announcements anytime soon.
The zoo will reopen for the 2024 season on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
