He just could be the longest living animal in Iowa, not counting humans. His lifespan predates the end of World War Two and Iowa Public Radio’s Rick Fredericksen found him living a life of luxury in Des Moines.
Barnaby: Iowa's Oldest Animal?
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Barnaby is on a vegetarian diet, primarily greens, but occasionally carrots and sweet potatoes
Rick Fredericksen / Iowa Public Radio
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Shannon Mc Kinney is Barnaby’s trainer. He rests his head on her hand, a behavior useful in medical exams";
Rick Fredericksen / Iowa Public Radio
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Barnaby, Flapjack and Q roam their grassy pen at Blank Park Zoo
Rick Fredericksen / Iowa Public Radio
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In younger years, Barnaby gave rides at the Des Moines Children’s Zoo (circa 1960s)";
Blank Park Zoo
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An unidentified woman hitches a ride on Barnaby, something no longer allowed
Blank Park Zoo
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Shannon Mc Kinney and Kevin Drees inside the new indoor tortoise shelter
Rick Fredericksen / Iowa Public Radio
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A sand bed encourages the laying of eggs
Rick Fredericksen / Iowa Public Radio
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Visitors can see Barnaby year-round in the tortoise exhibit, which opened last year
Rick Fredericksen / Iowa Public Radio
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Aldabran tortoises are fairly plentiful, and no longer endangered or threatened
Rick Fredericksen / Iowa Public Radio
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Barnaby was "born" on Aldabra island in the Indian Ocean
Blank Park Zoo