City: Indianapolis, IN

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (317) 630-2001

Address: 1200 W. Washington St.

Description: In a salute to the Indy 500, two tortoises head—slowly—to the checkered flag. The annual race also marks the move of the Aldabra tortoises (Lyn and A.J.) from their winter holding area to their summer home. The event includes a number of prerace activities before the two racers lumber to the finish line, lured by the reward of fresh broccoli and fruit. The tortoises are the zoo’s oldest residents, and most race fans know where they got their names. Named for Indy 500 legend A. J. Foyt, A.J. weighs about 485 pounds and joined the zoo in 1963. He’s likely more than 60 years old. Named for race favorite Lyn St. James, Lyn tips the scales at almost 150 pounds and could be as much as 100 years old. Native to the Aldabra Island between the coast of Kenya and the northern tip of Madagascar, these giant tortoises have a life expectancy of more than a century. The race is free with zoo admission.