Tortoise dies at 255
A tortoise thought to have been the oldest animal in existence has died at the age of 255.
Addwaitya, who was the pet of British Gen. Robert Clive in the 18th century, died at his home in a zoo in Kolkata, India.
Historians say he was taken from the island of Aldabra in the Seychelles and presented to Clive by sailors working for the East India Company.
Addwaitya weighed up to 500 pounds and measured about five feet wide. He is believed to have died of liver failure.
“His death is heartbreaking,” one of his keepers said. “He was a permanent fixture. We will miss him.”
Officials will be preserving his shell as a museum artifact.
World’s first beer health spa opens
The world’s first beer health center has opened in the basement of the Chodovar Family brewery in the Czech Republic.
Beer baths, beer massages and beer cosmetics are offered at the spa.
The converted cellars include seven Victorian-style baths where guests can swim in beer while enjoying a pint poured at an adjacent bar.
Guests who purchase the $140 weekend packages have a range of health treatments open to them, including beer wraps.
“Beer can treat a range of conditions, particularly skin conditions, and the health center should appeal to men who are put off by ‘posh’ traditional spas,” Owner Jiri Plevka said. “We believe in the healing properties of beer and we offer the full range of treatments. We are a fully fledged beer spa.”
Bank robber gets stuck in chimney
A man found stuck in a bank chimney in Washington was arrested upon being rescued for attempted robbery.
“We asked him what he was doing down there and he said, ‘What do you think? I’m trying to rob the bank,'” Police Chief Robert Perales said.
Firefighters pulled out the 26-year-old man, who was arrested immediately.
Police were called to the bank because of an apparent break-in attempt. They found the trapped robber after finding the top removed from the ventilation shaft of the furnace.
-Compiled from wire reports