ASHEBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — An alligator snapping turtle that was more than 100 years old died recently, according to a Facebook post by the North Carolina Zoo . The post does not specify the turtle’s date of death.
The NC Zoo said the following in regards to Maximus’ death:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maximus, our beloved alligator snapping turtle, the gentle giant of the North Carolina Zoo. A resident of Cypress Swamp, Max was a favorite of both guests and staff, and a true marvel of nature at over 100 years old. Estimated to have been born around 1900, he witnessed over 100 years of human history, always with curiosity and grace.
Keeper Audrey shared her memories of Maximus, “I first met Maximus in the fall of 2015 when he moved to Cypress Swamp. He didn’t have a name, so I gave him one: Maximus, fitting for such a majestic creature. Over the years, we shared countless quiet moments, and I had the privilege of getting to ‘swim’ with him as I cleaned his pool. Despite his size, we danced together in our slow, routine movements, each of us occupying our own space, a ritual I will never forget.”…