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.

Download Original

Methuselah came to Reptile Gardens in 1954 from the Galapagos Islands, long before the animal was placed on the endangered species list.
Download Original

Kadoka native Earl Brockelsby opened Reptile Gardens in 1937.
Download Original

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.
Download Original

Johnny Brockelsby, Earl's son and now the director of public relations at Reptile Gardens, remembers riding on the giant tortoise as a kid.
Download Original

Johnny, here with Janet (Brockelsby) Jacobs, was just three when his father brought Methuselah to the Gardens.
Download Original

Methuselah was still giving rides up until a few years ago.
Download Original

Every year, Methuselah celebrated his birthday in June with a watermelon feast.
Download Original

You can share your Methuselah memories and photos on our Facebook page.

Comments

12:55 pm - Wed, July 13 2011

Darcy Rollins Story said:

I'm from Ekalaka, Mt. & went there as a kid also, like I'm sure so many of us have, what a neat place Reptile Gardens is. I so remember that HUGE tortoise, he was cool, glad he got to live as long as he did, I'm sure many dont get to do that!!

07:11 pm - Wed, July 13 2011

Joan Dendinger said:

I live in California and heard the news on NPR this morning. My girls met Methuselah last summer, but I remember him from the 60's when he was still giving rides.