Zoo Celebrates Oldest Resident’s 80th Birthday

CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331  |  Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov

The Zoo’s oldest resident — Aldabra tortoise “Dot” — turns 80 on Saturday, June 18. The Zoo is celebrating by giving free general admission to guests named Dorothy and holding keeper talks at 12:15 and 2:30 p.m. in Dot’s exhibit near the Islands and the new Penguin Cove.

Guests named Dorothy simply need to show their identification at the admission windows for free general admission.

Aldabra Tortoises are one of the largest land tortoises. Males can weigh up to 550 pounds and females up to 350 pounds. They are found on the Aldabra atoll, northeast of Madagascar as well as Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off East Africa. They can reach ages of 150 or more.

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The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Association of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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