South Dakota's Well-Loved Tortoise Dies At 130

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STEVE INSKEEP, host:

In South Dakota, generations have fond memories of another celebrated creature. Methuselah the Tortoise died on Sunday at his home at Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Methuselah was 130 years old.

MARY LOUISE KELLY, host:

He was born the year James Garfield was president, the year Sitting Bull surrendered to federal troops. He was already in his 70's when he came to the U.S. from the Galapagos, in 1954.

INSKEEP: The tortoise spent the next half century delighting families. He patiently posed for photos and gave children piggyback rides on his 500-pound frame.

He liked watermelon, we're told, and as well as a good scratch under the chin.

Methuselah was old even by tortoise standards. By the end, living a good 30 years longer than his expected lifespan. He had just celebrated his birthday in June.

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