Harriet was a Galápagos tortoise.
Harriet was a famous individual of the Galápagos tortoise species, known for her exceptionally long life and unique connection to the history of science.
Key Facts About Harriet
Attribute | Detail |
---|---|
Species | Galápagos tortoise |
Died | 23 June 2006 |
Age | 175–176 years old at the time of death |
Location | Beerwah, Queensland, Australia (at death) |
Noted For | Collected by Charles Darwin |
Residence | Australia Zoo |
Her Remarkable Life and Legacy
Harriet's journey began on the Galápagos Islands, where she was reportedly collected by none other than Charles Darwin during his historic voyage on HMS Beagle in 1835. She was then brought to Australia, living a considerable portion of her life in various locations before settling at the Australia Zoo.
Throughout her impressive lifespan of 175 to 176 years, Harriet became a beloved resident of the Australia Zoo, captivating visitors with her gentle nature and serving as a living link to a pivotal moment in the study of evolution. Her longevity made her one of the oldest known tortoises in the world at the time of her passing in June 2006 in Beerwah, Queensland.