Reptile Gardens Celebrates Major 121st South Dakota Birthday

Everyone was celebrating America's 250th Birthday, but South Dakota had an extra reason to throw a giant party.

One of South Dakota's oldest residents just hit a major milestone birthday. A Giant Tortoise named Orville in Rapid City from the Reptile Gardens had a big South Dakota party for his 121st birthday.

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The party was larger than life for one of South Dakota's beloved residents. You can tell by staff at the Reptile Gardens and visitors that Orville is so loved in the community and throughout the state!

How Long Can Giant Tortoises Live in South Dakota?

Fun facts about Giant Tortoises: They can weigh up to 573 pounds and are the longest-lived of all land vertebrates. They can live up to 100 years in the wild and around 170 years when in captivity. The longest Giant Tortoises on record lived to be 192 years-old. Needless to say, it looks like Orville could be celebrating many birthdays to come!

Orville's birthday party happened last week, and staff at the Reptile Gardens shared some photos on Facebook of the wild birthday. Orville even gave party-goers some cookies, isn't that so sweet?

It's hard to believe that it was over six months ago when the Reptile Gardens experienced a devastating structure fire. At the time during the fire, officials say "the Rockerville Fire Department said crews encountered an active fire inside a detached agricultural shelter, with heavy flames and smoke pushing into the ceiling and roof of the structure." Sadly, this fire results in numerous deaths of tortoises and alligators. So it's nice to see the Reptile Gardens honoring one of their beloved animals and rise from the ashes together.

Happy, happy birthday Orville! Here's to the next 100+ years in South Dakota!

10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Dakota

Cities on the east and west side of the Missouri River have made the latest list of South Dakota's Most Dangerous Cities for 2021.

Roadsnacks recently released its most 'Dangerous Cities' list and here in The Mount Rushmore state there are a few surprises, especially at the top. To determine the most dangerous cities in the state, Roadsnacks looked at the FBI's report on the latest violent crime, along with property crime statistics.

And surprisingly, the town with the most murders per capita in the state has less than 3,000 residents. Take a look at the list below.

For a look at the detailed list, visit roadsnacks.com Story Source: Roadsncaks

5 Things South Dakota Gave the World

South Dakota may not get much respect. We get a blizzard and it's a footnote on the national scene, but if Florida gets a bit chilly it's breaking news. But, maybe it's fine to be forgotten about. We kind of like being left alone on our quiet piece of the plains.

South Dakota has given a lot to the world though. Not just giant mountain carvings and settings for HBO shows, but awesome things that the rest of the world should thank us for.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns