Community Corner

Campbell Tortoise Makes Slow Look Good

Gus turned 28 years old on Aug. 3 and celebrated with a party.

There's just something about a turtle and in Campbell, one very lucky guy celebrated his 28th "hatching" day Saturday.

Gus, the Galapagos tortoise is partying up with all his friends-both hard-shelled and human. He shares his Campbell home with several Aldabra, Galapagos, Sulcata and Leopard tortoises, both large and small.

His owner, Tony Burtz is throwing a celebration for Gus, complete with weight guessing and tortoise racing, at his home on 345 Budd Ave. Aug. 3 until 5:00 p.m.

This is the fifth year Burtz has opened his and Gus' home to the public.

"I want people to come out and learn about these endangered species," he says.

According to National Geographic, "giant tortoises are the longest-lived of all vertebrates, averaging over 100 years. The oldest on record lived to be 152."


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