The three other tortoises given as gifts to Clive died soon after they arrived in Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, he said.
"Adwaitya spent his early days in Robert Clive's garden," the zookeeper said. He was later transferred to the Alipore Zoological Garden, located in the city's southern district, after it opened in 1875.
Despite his many years of life, he only became sick eight years ago when an infection was detected in his legs, Chowdhury said. He was successfully treated at that time.
"Our records show the tortoise was born in 1750, but some have claimed he was born in 1705," he said. He added that the zoo will use carbon dating to determine his real age.
Adwaitya became ill several months ago after a crack developed around a wound on his chest, Chowdhury said.
Like all giant land tortoises, the average lifespan of an Aldabra tortoise is well beyond 100 years.
Most Aldabra tortoises are found on the Aldabra Atoll, part of the Seychelles Islands in the Indian Ocean.
The atoll has been protected from human influence since the late 19th century and is home to some 152,000 giant tortoises, the world's largest population of the animal, according to the United Nations world heritage body.
Name: Aldabra Tortoise (
Geochelone gigantea)
Primary Classification: Chelonia (Tortoises and Turtles)
Location: The Aldabra Atoll, a part of the Seychelles Islands, which are located in the Indian Ocean.
Habitat: Grassland, scrub, mangrove swamps and coastal dunes.
Diet: Mainly vegetation, such as grasses, leaves, sedges and herbs, and small invertebrates. Will occasionally eat crab and carrion.
Size: Up to 4 ft in length and 550 lbs in weight.
Description: Dark gray to black in color; small, pointed head covered in scales; long neck; highly domed carapace, or shell; thick, bony scales on forelegs.
Cool Fact(s): It is the world's largest tortoise. It is the last surviving remnant of a once widespread tortoise population that lived on islands throughout the Indian Ocean; its relatives were killed off by hungry sailors and exotic species introduced to the islands. It is one of the first species in history to be offered special protection to ensure its survival.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Major Threat: No immediate threat, but population is restricted to a small area and therefore vulnerable.
What Can I Do?: Visit the
Tortoise Trust for information on how you can help.
