One of the world’s oldest creatures, a giant tortoise believed to have been about 250 years old, has died in the Calcutta zoo where it spent more than half its long life. He died of liver failure, even though I told him drinking would be his downfall.

Addwaita, which means “the one and only” in the local Bengali language, was one of four Aldabra tortoises brought to India by British sailors in the 18th century as a gift to the Lord of the East India Company.

250 years old is unbelievable. Think of that in human terms. This tortoise has lived in 3 different centuries, was born in the same year as Mozart, Lived through: the Seven Years War, Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I & II, Korean War, Vietnam, Persian Gulf ‘Conflict’… both of them, and all 43 Presidents.

Thats one old turtle! Rest in Peace Addwaita.
Addwaita, is survived by a snapping turtle named Joe and the tortoise who always beat bugs bunny!
via [NewsVine]