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The Death Of Ogbomosho's Tortoise; Alagba And Oyinbo Scepticism by ZiriMane(m): 12:38am On Oct 05, 2019 |
A royal palace in Nigeria has announced that its resident
tortoise has died following a short illness, saying it was a
remarkable 344 years old.
The tortoise, named Alagba, meaning elderly one, lived in the
palace of Ogbomoso in Oyo state. Alagba had at least two
personal attendants to see to her needs and would eat only
twice a month.
She was thought to have healing powers and attracted visitors
from far and wide.
The revered reptile was apparently brought to the palace by
the kingdom's third leader, Isan Okumoyede, who reigned from
1770 to 1797.
However, Isan Okumoyede reigned just over 200 years ago.
This means the tortoise would have already been 100 when
she was found, for her to have reached the grand old age of
344.
And reptile experts have cast doubt on Alagba's alleged age.
Tim Skelton, curator of reptiles at Bristol Zoo, said it would be
"impossible" for Alagba to have lived that long.
'Unlikely in the extreme'
"A hundred years is a very good age," said Mr Skelton. "Giant
tortoises can live up to 200, but that's a very rare exception."
Alagba is not a giant tortoise. After looking at photos, Mr
Skelton categorised Alagba as an African spur-thighed
tortoise.
John Wilkinson, a professional herpetologist - an expert in
reptiles - agreed.
"I would have thought that it would be unlikely in the extreme,"
he said. "They just don't live that long."
The oldest tortoise - indeed animal - in the world is believed to
be Jonathan, an 187-year-old giant tortoise who lives in St
Helena.
"Any other tortoise lives between 70-80 years old, maximum
100," Mr Skelton said.
The earliest photo of Jonathan, taken in 1886
So where did Alagba come from?
The story goes that she was brought to the palace by Isan
Okumoyede, when he returned from a successful expedition
over 200 years ago.
If this is true, Alagba will have lived through the reign of 18
Ogbomoso kings.
Mr Wilkinson has a simple explanation: "I don't think there's
much of a mystery here to be honest - there has been more
than one tortoise."
"They loved it so much they went and bought another one."
And it seems as though this is not the end of Alagba's story.
The current king said he plans to preserve her remains for
tourism and historical records. |
Re: The Death Of Ogbomosho's Tortoise; Alagba And Oyinbo Scepticism by Oluwasaeon(m): 12:45am On Oct 05, 2019 |
Oyinbo always downplaying anything that has to do with Africa |
Re: The Death Of Ogbomosho's Tortoise; Alagba And Oyinbo Scepticism by Chipink(f): 1:26am On Oct 05, 2019 |
Re: The Death Of Ogbomosho's Tortoise; Alagba And Oyinbo Scepticism by pfadom: 2:23am On Oct 05, 2019 |
Whatever they don't know or have is adjudged generally nonexistent. Pity! |
Re: The Death Of Ogbomosho's Tortoise; Alagba And Oyinbo Scepticism by funmike83(f): 2:59pm On Oct 05, 2019 |
Rip Alagba |
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