Fun! Via the Museum of Natural History
How Gus Got His Name
A young boy began volunteering at the museum’s Spring Garden Rd. location some time in the 1950s. The resident tortoise seemed to have an instant connection with him, tending to stay close when they were together. Since they had yet to officially name the tortoise, one curator suggested they name him John, after his new human pal. The boy, John Augustus Gilhen, didn’t think his first name was quite right. Everyone agreed, however, that his middle name was the perfect fit and Gus was named at last.
John and Gus remain friends to this very day.
