Oldest animal in world, 255-year-old Addwaita die

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Kolkata, Mar 23 (UNI) 'Addwaita', the 255-year-old giant tortoise which once was a pet of Lord Clive, died in the Alipore zoo yesterday.

Possibly the oldest animal in the world, the male aldabra tortoise met the end of its life following liver failure, zoo authorities said.

''Addwaita'' was not well for the past few days. He had developed a wound on his chest. He was found dead when a special attendant, engaged for him, went to his enclosure with medicine,'' a zoo official said.

According to the zoo records, 'Addwaita' was born in 1750, seven years before the battle of Plassey that saw the British establish their rule in the country. It, however, got a name only a few years ago from West Bengal Forest Minister Jogesh Burman.

It was said that Addwaita was one of the four tortoises brought by British mariners from Seychelles to be presented to Lord Clive, the first Governor General of India during the regime of East India Company that ruled the country representing the British monarchy.

Out of the four tortoises, kept in Clive's estate in Barrackpore, three later died, but Addwaita continued to be strong enough to live a life covering a long period of history.

It was later brought to the Alipore zoo in Kolkata. The tortoise, living on lettuce, gram, carrot and bread, was the center of attraction in the zoo. Authorities said Addwaita had been cremated, but its shells would be processed and preserved in the zoo.

UNI KDG SP SS1209

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