Alagba, a giant tortoise considered the oldest in Africa, has died at 344 years in the palace of the traditional king of the city of Ogbomoso (southwest Nigeria), Oba Jimoh Oyewunmi, reported his private secretary, Toyin Ajamu.
Alagba, male and whose name in the Yoruba language means "The Elder," died Thursday after suffering a brief illness, said Ajamu, quoted by local media.
"Alagba lived in the palace for centuries. The turtle was host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past," said the private secretary.
The animal, whose species is characterized by great longevity, reached popularity because the current soun (monarchical title) "used his personal resources to attend to his well-being."
Currently, the turtle "had two palace staff members dedicated to her, " said the secretary.
Those servants, he said, "provided him with food, medical assistance and other logistics to make sure he received the best treatment."
"On a daily basis, Alagba had tourists visiting her from different parts of the world," said Ajamu, who remarked that the palace and the tourism sector "mourn the death of Alagba ."
In order to keep the popular reptile in memory, the secretary announced that there are plans to preserve his body so that tourists continue to enjoy his presence.
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