Meet Janus, the world’s oldest two-headed tortoise. He celebrated his twenty fifth birthday (with a celebration and presents!) this weekend in Geneva as he gained his world title.
Janus, named after the two-faced Roman God, has lived on the Geneva Pure Historical past Museum since his delivery.
Within the wild, a two-headed tortoise wouldn't ordinarily survive this lengthy since it may possibly’t retract its heads into its shell to shelter from predators.
Considered one of his keepers, Angelica Bourgoin, credit their personalised care regime for his exceptionally lengthy life.
To maintain him in good well being, Bourgoin and one other carer feed him natural salad and provides him each day massages and baths in inexperienced tea and chamomile. For train, he goes for normal walks, generally with music, and rides on a custom-made skateboard.
Bourgoin additionally stated she places music on each morning to assist him get up and talks to him usually.
How does a two-headed animal management its physique?
Janus has two heads, two hearts and two units of lungs, however just one digestive system.
The correct head controls the legs on the suitable facet of the shell and the left head controls the left facet.
Janus has two distinct personalities with totally different moods and tastes that may sometimes result in conflicts, for instance over which course to stroll.
"What I've seen is that the suitable head is extra curious, extra awake, it has a a lot stronger persona,” Bourgoin explains.
“The left head is extra passive and really grasping," she says, including that one head is keen on endives and the opposite to carrots.
Janus is beneath fixed surveillance from his carers in case he flips over, which might be deadly. He beforehand suffered from a big bladder stone; it was eliminated in 2020 and he has made a full restoration.
Watch the video above to see Janus in motion.
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