This is the "Martin The Giant Tortoise Memorial" movie. Movie, TV, and Live Attraction star, "Martin the Giant Tortoise", was found dead on Feb.17, 2011 inside exotic pet store Tropical Fish Pond by store owner Pat Malone. "We're all just devastated, employees and customers alike, by Martin's passing," said Malone.
Martin, the store's mascot, was merely 20, very young for a tortoise that can live to be over 200. An Autopsy revealed that his bowel had been lacerated by a sharp object, most likely a piece of metal. Pat stated, "Whatever cut him had already passed and we're not exactly sure what did it. It's highly suspicious since he would only eat fresh fruit and vegetables. We don't want to think some sick individual did this, but rather a small child may have fed him something wrong by accident."
Martin has roamed freely around the store since 1994. He weighed over 130 lbs at his passing. "Martin was friendly, gentle and sweet. A real attraction," said Pat, "Parents brought kids to see him and then those kids brought their kids. Martin is known by generations." Tropical Fish Pond is like an exotic zoo and aquarium with no admission charge. But, what's really neat is that you can actually purchase any of the snakes, lizards, turtles, furry critters or fish on display and take them home with you.
Tropical Fish Pond served as a major location in the romantic comedy adventure film "P.I. BLUES" featuring Martin the Giant Tortoise. The movie's director Jim Dudek also had Martin and Pat Malone as regular guests on his Monday thru Friday Detroit broadcast TV program "The Star Movie Show" during its run in the 1990's. "Whenever I visited the store, I felt Martin knew me. He made everyone feel that way. Like you were his long lost friend," said Dudek. Martin also starred in a featurette included on the "P.I. BLUES" DVD.
There's a Martin Shrine in the store with his picture and condolence cards from fans. People are asked to bring pictures of themselves or their kids with Martin for the Memorial display. The store is located on Woodward Avenue, in Royal Oak, MI, 14 miles north of Downtown Detroit.
Get more info on the movie at: www.piblues.com
Buy the DVD at: www.arkdistribution.com or www.amazon.com
Really sorry to hear about Martin I've got 9 horsefields and would love one like Martin but I know I wouldnt have the room for an adult but I'd be to upset to let him go which wouldn't be fair on him hence why I got the horsefields but I love all reptiles :-)
1avonne 1 week ago
I am deeply sorry about Martin's passing:( I have 2 Sulcatas (ages 2 1/2 and 8)
Martin's life may have been short, but it sure seems like he had a wonderful life.
rottiecoltkris 7 months ago
Thanks Jim and Dan so much for this. Im going to miss the big guy a lot.
jkalmeta 10 months ago
Thanks for putting this together, Jim and Dan.
pmbrown219 10 months ago
So sorry, Pat.
pmbrown219 10 months ago
He had such a shelled life, I will miss this speed deamon!
polarbear60 10 months ago