It is with great sadness that the Turtle Conservancy reports that Daphne, our beloved ambassador Galapagos Tortoise (Chelonoidis niger complex), died on August 21, 2020 at age 53 from complications of heart failure. She had been ill for over a year, and failed to respond to medical treatment. Unfortunately, this condition is not uncommon in Galapagos Tortoises kept in captivity.

Daphne came to us in 2013, following several years living with a private family. She had been acquired by the Honolulu Zoo in 1985. Daphne was a beautiful giant Galapagos Tortoise, weighing in at nearly 400 pounds. She was a great favorite with Turtle Conservancy staff and visitors. She was always friendly, eager for neck rubs and treats in the form of her favorite vegetables. She was a gentle and patient soul, and loved to spend the days soaking in her pond and basking in the sun. She taught us much about the wisdom of living life in the slow lane.

Daphne migrated to the great turtle pasture in the sky much too soon, as individuals of her species can live well beyond 100 years. The medical details of her death will be shared with veterinary students and will hopefully lead to new insights into the health issues facing captive Galapagos Tortoises. We believe that given her generous spirit, Daphne would agree. All of us at the Turtle Conservancy loved her, we will miss her greatly and we thank her for enriching our lives for the years that she did.

Memorial contributions in Daphne’s name may be made below, with 100% of donations going to support our conservation efforts in the field to protect endangered turtles and their native habitats.

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