Mary the Tortoise Gets a More Masculine Name

When Mary the giant tortoise finally revealed that "she" is a "he," Cleveland Metroparks Zoo decided to give her .... er, him a new name. The Roar Report just got word on Mary's new name.

Mary the Aldabra tortoise is now Terry the Aldabra tortoise.

For the 50-plus years that 400-pound Mary has lived at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, she showed all the tell-tale signs of being a female. (Flatter shell, shorter tail, lower weight.) But last week, during a physical exam, Mary decided to come out of her shell and reveal the one organ that left no question of his manhood.

So, the name change only seemed to make sense. (Plus, Terry rhymes with Mary. And Terry goes well with the names of her tortoise pals Tom and Tim.)

Also, his jouney from  Mary to Terry has picked up quite a bit of media attention, with coverage by WKYC Channel 3, The Plain Dealer, WEWS Channel 5, the Chronicle Telegram and The Associated Press.

Now we'll just wait for Meredith Vieira from the "Today" show to come calling for Mary/Terry.



Comments

 
By: krista
On: 11/27/2009 17:58:40
i think they should keep the name because if you go by the same name for 50 years ,you cant just randomly change it, but i do have to admit he is ADORABLE!!!!!!!
 
By: Jim
On: 12/06/2009 08:09:22
I think its perfectly fine to change his name. Being a guy myself, I sure wouldnt want to be called Mary. However, Im not too thrilled about the name Terry.

He looks like a Phil to me.


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