Harriet the tortoise who passed away in 2016 had met charles drawin in person

Harriet the Tortoise: Meeting Charles Darwin in Person

In the animal kingdom, there are extraordinary tales that captivate our imagination. One such story revolves around Harriet the tortoise, a remarkable creature with a fascinating history. Despite her long life, Harriet became famous for a particular encounter she had in her early years – she met none other than Charles Darwin himself!

Harriet, a giant Galapagos tortoise, was born around 1830 on the Galapagos Islands, a cluster of volcanic archipelagos in the Pacific Ocean. At a young age, she was captured by a British biologist named Sir Charles Darwin, who happened to be visiting the Galapagos during his famous voyage on the HMS Beagle in 1835.

During his exploration of the Galapagos, Darwin was intrigued by the unique and diverse wildlife he encountered. His observations on the islands became a significant catalyst towards the development of his theory of evolution by natural selection. Among the animals he encountered, Harriet the tortoise stood out due to her size and longevity.

Darwin initially planned to eat Harriet, as fresh meat was scarce during his voyage. However, she was ultimately kept alive, serving as a living laboratory subject for his experiments. After spending some time studying Harriet’s physical characteristics and behavior, Darwin released her back into the wild on the island of Santiago, where she continued to thrive for years to come.

Over the decades, Harriet traveled to different parts of the world, enduring various challenges and capturing the hearts of many. She was eventually donated to the Australia Zoo in Queensland, where she spent the remaining years of her life in comfort and care. Tragically, Harriet passed away in June 2006 at the ripe age of 176, making her one of the oldest known creatures on Earth.

Although Harriet had met Charles Darwin in person, the significance of their encounter extends beyond this unique connection. She became an unintentional symbol of Darwin’s groundbreaking work and the extraordinary diversity found in the Galapagos Islands. Harriet’s story serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of our world and the importance of preserving its wonders.

(Source: ABC News)