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Who is Harriet the Turtle?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

Harriet the turtle was perhaps the most famous tortoise in the world, until her death in 2006. Believed to be collected by Charles Darwin on his expedition to the Galapagos Islands, Harriet lived a long and presumably happy life in zoos around the world. Although some of her story is estimated from accounts, she is believed to have been approximately 176 when she died at the Australia Zoo.

"Harriet the turtle" is actually a misnomer, as she was a Galapagos tortoise, believed to be of the subspecies Geochelone elephantopus porteri. Although it is widely believed that Harriet the turtle was found by Charles Darwin, more recent studies suggest that Darwin may have never visited the island where the tortoise was born. DNA evidence estimates that Harriet the turtle was born in 1830. This would make her five years old at the time of discovery, based on the legend that Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835.

Charles Darwin was said to have collected Harriet the Turtle in the Galapagos Islands.
Charles Darwin was said to have collected Harriet the Turtle in the Galapagos Islands.

The story of Harriet’s early life in captivity is somewhat confusing and contradictory. It is believed she was given to the Botanic Gardens in Brisbane, Australia around 1860, by the former first mate of Darwin’s ship the HMS Beagle. Until the 1950s, Harriet was believed to be a male and was called Harry. She was purchased by an Australian naturalist named David Fleay when the Botanic Gardens closed in 1952. Fleay renamed the tortoise Harriet upon discovering her biological sex, and included information about her in many of his publications.

Harriet the turtle was believed to have been collected from the Galapagos Islands by Charles Darwin.
Harriet the turtle was believed to have been collected from the Galapagos Islands by Charles Darwin.

Most of Harriet’s history would be a mystery until 1987, when Harriet the turtle was moved to the Queensland Reptile Park, which would later come to be called Australia Zoo. Under the care of the famous Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, Harriet enjoyed a life of retirement and happy meals of hibiscus blossoms, for which she had a penchant. In the mid-1990s, a letter to the editor of an Australian paper included the memories an older gentleman had of seeing three Galapagos tortoises in the Botanical Garden in 1929. Irwin and his friends became curious as to whether Harriet might have been one of those three, and began an intensive study into her origins.

Using genetic research and the correspondence pieced together between Darwin and the former first mate, the Australia Zoo staff became convinced that Harriet the turtle was in her 160s, and was in all probability taken captive by Darwin himself on his expedition. Thrilled with their discovery of the past of this ancient pet, Australia Zoo threw a 175th birthday party for Harriet the turtle in 2005, complete with a hibiscus-flower cake. Following a short illness in 2006, Harriet died peacefully.

Harriet’s longevity is characteristic of her species, and an important factor in conservation efforts. Pointing out that the unassuming Harriet may very well have spent considerable time with Charles Darwin shows the incredible history of long-living animals. Galapagos tortoises of many subspecies are considered endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and are in need of human intervention in order to protect them from future harm. To help tortoises like Harriet continue to live their long lives peacefully, contact a reputable conservation agency to see what you can do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Harriet the Turtle?

Harriet the Turtle was a Galápagos tortoise who became famous for her longevity and her connection to Charles Darwin. She was believed to have been collected by Darwin during his 1835 visit to the Galápagos Islands, although this link has been debated. Harriet lived most of her life in captivity and was known for being one of the oldest living creatures on Earth at the time of her death in 2006, at an estimated age of 175.

How did Harriet the Turtle come to be associated with Charles Darwin?

Harriet the Turtle was long thought to have been collected by Charles Darwin himself when he visited the Galápagos Islands in 1835. This association was based on the belief that she was one of three tortoises taken from the island of Santa Cruz and later transported to Australia. However, some historical records and DNA testing have cast doubt on this story, suggesting that Harriet may not have been one of Darwin's specimens after all.

What was the lifespan of Harriet the Turtle, and how does it compare to other tortoises?

Harriet the Turtle lived to be approximately 175 years old, making her one of the longest-lived known tortoises. This lifespan is exceptional but not unique among her species; Galápagos tortoises are known for their longevity, with some individuals living well over a century. Lonesome George, another famous Galápagos tortoise, lived to be about 100 years old.

Where did Harriet the Turtle spend most of her life?

After being taken from the Galápagos Islands, Harriet spent a brief period in England before being transported to Australia. She lived most of her life at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and later at the Australia Zoo, where she became a beloved attraction and an ambassador for conservation efforts until her death in 2006.

What was the cause of Harriet the Turtle's death?

Harriet the Turtle died of heart failure in 2006, a common cause of death for elderly animals. Her advanced age of approximately 175 years meant that she had far exceeded the average lifespan for her species, and her passing was a natural consequence of her old age.

Why is Harriet the Turtle significant for conservation and scientific research?

Harriet the Turtle's significance extends beyond her association with Charles Darwin. As one of the oldest known members of her species, she provided valuable insights into the longevity and health of Galápagos tortoises. Her life in captivity also helped raise awareness about the conservation of endangered species and the importance of protecting their natural habitats.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a AllThingsNature writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a AllThingsNature writer.

Learn more...

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    • Charles Darwin was said to have collected Harriet the Turtle in the Galapagos Islands.
      By: nickolae
      Charles Darwin was said to have collected Harriet the Turtle in the Galapagos Islands.
    • Harriet the turtle was believed to have been collected from the Galapagos Islands by Charles Darwin.
      By: Alexander
      Harriet the turtle was believed to have been collected from the Galapagos Islands by Charles Darwin.