National Geographic Host Interrupts Mating Tortoises, Slowest-Ever Chase Ensues

A new episode of the National Geographic channel's "Pristine Seas" has yielded a bizarre video showing what may be the slowest recorded animal-chasing-man scene.

Host and expedition leader Paul Rose was on Assumption Island in the Seychelles, a group of islands north of Madagascar. Fewer than fifty people inhabit the 4.3 square mile island where Rose and his camera crew were exploring.

At one point during his visit, Rose heard a very loud and unusual sound off in the distance. Intrigued, he followed it.

Image Source: YouTube

Two hundred yards from where he first heard the noise, Rose stumbled upon a pair of Aldabra tortoises. He believes that he interrupted their mating session.

Image Source: YouTube

The female tortoise turned away from the camera and headed for cover in the brush. However, the male, apparently taking exception with interruption, turned to face Rose and his cameraman.

Image Source: YouTube

What followed was a slow, but entertaining "chase" by the 600+ pound animal.

Rose's blog describes what happened: "I walked backward out of the bushes and he kept coming—there was no doubt that he would not stop until he had seen me off the island, preferably with significant pieces missing from my legs."

Image Source: YouTube

Watch the clip from National Geographic:

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