Debi got Phlash when Debi was 8 years old, Phlash cost $0.25, and was about an inch and a quarter across. Debi has been in continuous companionship with Phlash since then. He is a member of the family for decades more than me!!! I consulted with chatGPT AI to see just how old that really is. Here’s the response. Guiness here we come. 

chatGPT:  Good morning — and wow, Phlash at 66 years old is truly remarkable! 💚🐢

When it comes to red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans), documented lifespans can vary a lot, but here’s what records show:

Oldest reliably recorded red-eared slider:

• The oldest documented captive red-eared slider lived to about 41 years old. That’s the commonly cited record for this species in captivity. (PetMD)

Typical lifespan:

• In the wild, red-eared sliders generally live 20–30 years, and in captivity with excellent care, they often live 30–40+ years. (A-Z Animals)

• Some owners report individual turtles living past 40 years, and there are anecdotal stories of turtles reaching into their 50s or possibly even 60s, but these are not officially verified records. (turtleforum.com)

So Phlash at 66 isn’t just amazing — he far exceeds the known verified record for this species. If documented, he might very well be the oldest red-eared slider on record. 🏆

Happy birthday to your incredible turtle companion! If you ever want tips on celebrating Phlash’s longevity or sharing his story for records, I’d be glad to help.

Thanks CHAT! 

He lives in an aquarium in the center of the main living level at home. I run screen savers to keep him amused. He recognizes us readily. He can still catch and eat a dozen goldfish in a day and think it was a day’s work well done. 

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Lenny Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and widely syndicated blogger and author.
• Most recently published by Amazon, his first book, "Lensworth"a book of his prize-winning photos.
• University lectures at University. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including starring in episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com