KNOXVILLE, Tenn — The year was 1974 when Zoo Knoxville introduced the slow-moving, quick-eating tortoise named Al. Fifty years later, he's nowhere near a shell of his former self and his true age will leave you shell-shocked.
Any celebrity will tell you that the key to not looking your age is to eat right, stay hydrated and get plenty of exercise, which is why "Big Al'' is the star of any show at Zoo Knoxville.
"He's one of our oldest residents," Stephen Nelson, Zoo Knoxville's herpetologist, said. "He came to us in 1974 and was an adult then."
Al is an Aldabra giant tortoise who weighs in at 525 pounds. Zoo Knoxville said they are not sure of Al's exact age, but estimate he's 125 to 130 years old.
Amazingly, the star hasn't had any work done. He keeps in shape through stretches, scratches and lots of healthy food.
"When it's nice outside, the giant tortoise spends his day grazing. We give him a diet, he gets lots of banana leaves and hibiscus," Nelson said. "He spends a lot of time, move around and eat."
But when it comes to his favorite foods, Al's always seeing red.
"His favorite by far is watermelon," he said. "All things red, watermelon, strawberries and tomatoes."
When Al came to Zoo Knoxville, he was already older than the Henley Bridge, even Ayers Hall at the University of Tennessee. Among the events that happened in his estimated lifetime include the sinking of the Titanic, World War I and World War II.
Nelson is one of the caretakers for Big Al and said the camera hog always knows how to put on a show.
"I've known Al for 22 years," he said. "When it's nice outside he'll stand up and stretch out. It's a good life."
Al comes outside in the spring and will stay out through the summer, leaving lots of time to sunbathe and soak up the attention.
"When he's hot, we have lots of fresh water, so unlike humans we sweat -- reptiles don't sweat so, he's the last one to come out for summer and first one to go in," Nelson said.
Before Al goes in for the year, his fans get a few fleeting moments with the celebrity until the next time.
"He's one of the most popular animals at the zoo," he said. "People have grown up with him -- grandparents saw him. A fan favorite for sure."
Last week, Zoo Knoxville celebrated Al's 50th anniversary with a special celebration. Fans gathered to fawn all over him and share some of their favorite photos and memories.