America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is hosting a special birthday bash on March 24 for “Clarence,” the 500-pound Galapagos Tortoise turning 90 years old this month. The celebration begins at 11:15 a.m. on Zoo grounds and includes cake for guests, a special “cake” for Clarence, a Galapagos-sized birthday card, and special displays showcasing Clarence’s trip from the Galapagos in 1928. Sponsor families supporting Clarence through the Zoo’s “Sponsor an Animal” program will present Clarence with gifts.
Clarence’s birthday celebration is a special addition to Moorpark College’s “Spring Spectacular” event. Spring Spectacular is the Zoo’s annual fundraising extravaganza featuring live animal shows, games, food, and unique vendors. Cost is $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and children. Spring Spectacular begins at 10 a.m. on March 23-24, March 30-31, and April 6-7, 2013.
Clarence originally left the Galapagos Islands on a journey to the United States in 1927 aboard the vessel “Albatross II.” Dr. C.H. Townsend, the director of the New York Aquarium at that time, was alarmed at exploitation of tortoises for food and established a captive breeding program in the United States. Clarence, along with 107 other tortoises, was one of the original participants in the program. Clarence’s first home was the Houston Zoo where he lived until 1999. Clarence then lived at the Los Angeles Zoo until 2001 when he relocated to his permanent home at America’s Teaching Zoo.
Galapagos Tortoises can live to be 150 years old and grow to over 800 pounds. They are currently on the Endangered Species List due to habitat destruction and exploitation. A tortoise’s primary diet consists of grasses and plants native to the Galapagos Islands. Clarence eats approximately four pounds of food every morning, including four different lettuces, carrots, and tortoise chow. |
