Famous Tortoise “Pepe The Missionary” Dies At Age 60

A giant tortoise named “Pepe the Missionary,”
who is known as one of the most photographed
animals on Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, has

died at age 60.
Pepe rose to fame as a mascot for Franciscan
missionaries, whom he lived with for many
years. He was well loved by tourists who visited
the area.
According to reports, his organs had begun to
fail, and he was overweight. He died of “natural
causes” at the Galapagos National Park on
Friday, AFP reports.
Pepe comes from the Chelonoidis Becki species
of tortoises known for living for up to 100 or 200
years. And so he was considered a “young
adult” when he passed away.
Paying tribute to the tortoise, Park Director
Arturo Izurieta said, “After 6o years of life, Pepe
the missionary will remain in our memories
forever.”
R.I.P Pepe