Published: May 09, 2008 06:17 pm            

Tortoises race at the Zoopolis 500

Ladies and gentleman, start your tortoises!

There are lots of new activities for this year’s Zoopolis 500 presented by the American Dairy Association, the 27th edition of the greatest spectacle in tortoise racing.

The Zoopolis 500 is the Indianapolis Zoo’s version of the Indianapolis 500 mile race and will be May 21, the Wednesday before the big race.

The event features the voice of the Zoopolis 500, Mike King of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network, and the new driver and official starter from Andretti Green Racing, Tony Kanaan.

Also new this year, Aldabra tortoises “Lyn St. James” and “A.J.” will be joined by four smaller, but still very competitive radiated tortoise to mark the move of the tortoises from winter holding to their summer exhibit at the zoo.

Even the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car, the 500 Festival princesses, and the mascots are getting in on the act.

The Zoopolis 500 is also an opportunity for the public to learn more about the Indianapolis Zoo’s oldest residents. “A.J.” came to the zoo in October of 1963, several months before the zoo opened at its original East 30th Street location.

Zoo officials estimate that “A.J.” is at least 80 years old. However, they are not certain on “Lyn St. James’” age. They believe she is older than “A.J.” and likely around 100 years old.

The two species of tortoises compete to reach the checkered flag and a full plate of fruit on a course in the Dean’s Milk Chug Encounters Arena.

Pre-race activities are from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and include “milk mustache” photos, free milk while supplies last, chats with the zoo’s tortoise experts, and visits with the 500 Festival princesses and mascots.

The green flag is expected to drop at 11:30 a.m.

The event is free to the public with the price of general admission.

        

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