Story Created:
Nov 18, 2009 at 12:35 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Nov 18, 2009 at 12:35 PM EDT
CLEVELAND (AP) - 50 years since arriving at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo a tortoise named Mary is newly discovered to actually be a male.
Zoo officials explain that it is difficult to establish the sex of a giant Aldabra tortoise because the reproductive organs are usually concealed within the animal. During a routine exam, Mary's maleness was a surprise discovery.
Zookkeepers assumed that the 400-pound tortoise was a she because of the flatter shell, shorter tail and all-around smaller size than most males "her" age.
Mary is now estimated to be between 75 and 100 years old.
The Zoo Director, Steve Taylor, is weighing whether to rename Mary after so many years.
