North Carolina Zoo mourns loss of Maximus the turtle, who lived at least 100 years

A gentle giant of the North Carolina Zoo has died.

2025-03-21

On Friday, the zoo announced the passing of its alligator snapping turtle named Maximus.

Maximus was born around 1900, according to the zoo.

“A resident of Cypress Swamp, Max was a favorite of both guests and staff, and a true marvel of nature at over 100 years old,” the zoo wrote in a Facebook post. “Estimated to have been born around 1900, he witnessed over 100 years of human history, always with curiosity and grace.”

Maximus’ keeper Aubrey shared her memories of having met the turtle when he moved to Cypress Swamp in 2015.

“He didn’t have a name, so I gave him one: Maximus, fitting for such a majestic creature,” Aubrey said. “Over the years, we shared countless quiet moments, and I had the privilege of getting to ‘swim’ with him as I cleaned his pool.

“Despite his size, we danced together in our slow, routine movements, each of us occupying our own space, a ritual I will never forget.”

The zoo wrote that Maximus was a “quite observer, especially fond of interacting with the little ones who would get down to his level. His calm presence brought joy to so many visitors over the years, even when he was napping in the sun.”