It's a boy: Zoo tortoise reveals mistaken identity
CLEVELAND (AP) — A tortoise's zookeepers in Cleveland are the ones feeling slow because after more than 50 years, they've discovered "Mary" is actually a male.
Officials at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo say it can be tough to establish the sex of a giant Aldabra tortoise because the reproductive organs normally aren't visible. But Mary's maleness was unexpectedly revealed earlier this month during a routine exam.
Spokesman Tom O'Konowitz said Wednesday that the zoo has decided to rename the tortoise Terry.
When the 400-pound reptile arrived at the zoo in 1955, it was assumed he was a she because of a flatter shell, shorter tail and all-around smaller size than most males.
The tortoise is estimated to be between 75 and 100 years old.
Officials at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo say it can be tough to establish the sex of a giant Aldabra tortoise because the reproductive organs normally aren't visible. But Mary's maleness was unexpectedly revealed earlier this month during a routine exam.
Spokesman Tom O'Konowitz said Wednesday that the zoo has decided to rename the tortoise Terry.
When the 400-pound reptile arrived at the zoo in 1955, it was assumed he was a she because of a flatter shell, shorter tail and all-around smaller size than most males.
The tortoise is estimated to be between 75 and 100 years old.