Orville The Tortoise Marks 120 Years At Reptile Gardens

Historical Highlights Of South Dakota And Orville's Birthday Bash

In the year 1905, South Dakota was thriving in railroad expansion, homesteading, and farming. In the midst of this, a tortoise was born - and he's ready to celebrate a birthday.

Meet Orville, a 120-year-old tortoise who resides at Reptile Gardens near Rapid City, SD. According to their Facebook post, Orville's birthday will be celebrated on June 26.

Orville and the other tortoises used to give rides to visitors. At some point, this practice ceased - probably for the well-being of the animal. Orville now hangs out with his friends Sampson, Tank, Kenny, Hugo, and Peabody.

Reptile Gardens, 8955 US-16, Rapid City, SD 57702 (IMAGE: Google Maps)

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120 years is indeed a long time to live. When Orville was born, the Corn Palace was adding its second building, a gold rush was drawing fortune seekers to the west (Deadwood and Lead), Huron was chosen to host the State Fair, the Minnehaha Country Club welcomed its first high-class diners and golfers, and the state Capitol building in Pierre was not quite finished.

Orville will undoubtedly be treated like a king this week, and well deserved. He'll probably even have cake. But would 120 candles be a good idea in the Black Hills right now? Maybe a bucket of cucumbers would be good.

Happy birthday, Orville!