Halifax's beloved 104-year-old tortoise is recovering after a successful surgery

Gus, a 104-year-old gopher tortoise, is fed a supper of bananas, lettuce and strawberries by Heather McKinnon Ramshaw, co-ordinator of animal care at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Halifax’s beloved 104-year-old gopher tortoise, Gus, is recovering after a successful surgery.

Believed the be the oldest living gopher tortoise, Gus underwent a procedure to remove a bladder stone on Tuesday.

The Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, where Gus lives, says he is now resting comfortably in private and will remain with a veterinary care team for 48 hours.

Gus’s many fans will have to wait up to 10 weeks before they can see him in public.

The museum says it will continue to share updates on his recovery.

In the two weeks since the museum first shared news of Gus’s surgery, he has received hundreds of letters, get-well cards and pieces of art.

Meanwhile, the museum’s social media accounts have received thousands of messages from around the world.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.

The Canadian Press