Adieu to the Oldest tortoise: The Soun's tortoise is gone
Surely, every thing that has beginning shall have an end.
A 344-year-old tortoise popularly known as Alagba, in the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, is dead.The scared tortoise which was the oldest in Africa, was sick for a few days before her demise on Thursday.
The tortoise became a popular breed upon ascension of the throne of the current Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi with the monarch providing good shelter and health support for the tortoise during its sojourn on earth.
The tortoise, which attracted people from all walks of life from Nigeria and abroad, will be greatly missed not only by the palace household but everyone who came in contact with Alagba during her lifetime.
Alagba had lived in the palace for centuries. The tortoise played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past. Alagba became popular because Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Soun of ogbomosoland, used his personal resources to cater for her well being.
The tortoise had two staff members of the palace, dedicated to her. They provide food, health support and other logistics, so as to make sure she gets the best treatment. Often times, Kabiyesi shared great moments with Alagba. On a daily basis, Alagba, had tourists visiting her from different part of the world.
The palace household, Ogbomoso community and stakeholders in the tourism sector are mourning Alagba’s passing.
Why do tortoise livelong?
Giant tortoises have very slow metabolisms, which means they burn energy at a slower rate than smaller and faster animals. In 1908, physiologist Max Rubner introduced the rate of living theory , which suggested an inverse correlation between metabolism and lifespan (the faster the metabolism, the shorter the life).
Scientists have had some issues with the theory over the past century (some argue that metabolism is a “poor measure of metabolic expenditure), and it has largely been discredited, but it did spawn the phrase “Live fast, die Young” and it serves as the basis for expanded research on the topic.
As a wildlifer I would suggest that the remain of Alagba should be preserved. The plastron and carapace other the late Alagba should kept for refference for it will serve an aesthetic purpose.
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| The late Alagba |
A 344-year-old tortoise popularly known as Alagba, in the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso, is dead.The scared tortoise which was the oldest in Africa, was sick for a few days before her demise on Thursday.
The tortoise became a popular breed upon ascension of the throne of the current Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi with the monarch providing good shelter and health support for the tortoise during its sojourn on earth.
The tortoise, which attracted people from all walks of life from Nigeria and abroad, will be greatly missed not only by the palace household but everyone who came in contact with Alagba during her lifetime.
Alagba had lived in the palace for centuries. The tortoise played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past. Alagba became popular because Oba Oladunni Oyewumi, Soun of ogbomosoland, used his personal resources to cater for her well being.
The tortoise had two staff members of the palace, dedicated to her. They provide food, health support and other logistics, so as to make sure she gets the best treatment. Often times, Kabiyesi shared great moments with Alagba. On a daily basis, Alagba, had tourists visiting her from different part of the world.
The palace household, Ogbomoso community and stakeholders in the tourism sector are mourning Alagba’s passing.
Why do tortoise livelong?
Giant tortoises have very slow metabolisms, which means they burn energy at a slower rate than smaller and faster animals. In 1908, physiologist Max Rubner introduced the rate of living theory , which suggested an inverse correlation between metabolism and lifespan (the faster the metabolism, the shorter the life).
Scientists have had some issues with the theory over the past century (some argue that metabolism is a “poor measure of metabolic expenditure), and it has largely been discredited, but it did spawn the phrase “Live fast, die Young” and it serves as the basis for expanded research on the topic.
As a wildlifer I would suggest that the remain of Alagba should be preserved. The plastron and carapace other the late Alagba should kept for refference for it will serve an aesthetic purpose.
Beautiful one
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