The claim is that Charles Darwin and Steve Irwin "owned the same tortoise," with reference to the tortoise being named Harriet. Here's what is known:

1. About Harriet the Tortoise:

Harriet was a Galápagos tortoise believed to have been collected by Charles Darwin during his 1835 visit to the Galápagos Islands as part of the HMS Beagle expedition. However, later investigations questioned whether Darwin directly collected her.

Harriet lived at the Australia Zoo, owned by Steve Irwin and his family, until her death in 2006 at the age of approximately 175 years.

1. Historical Evidence:

Darwin documented collecting tortoises from the Galápagos, but records indicate Harriet may not have been one of the specimens he brought to England. It is more likely she was collected later and misattributed.

Harriet's presence in Australia is better attributed to John Wickham, a crew member of the HMS Beagle, who brought her to Brisbane in 1842.

1. Connection to Steve Irwin:

Harriet lived at the Australia Zoo for many years and was cared for by Steve Irwin and his team. Irwin often referred to her fondly and highlighted her extraordinary age.

1. Conclusion:

The claim that Darwin and Irwin "owned the same tortoise" is technically incorrect based on historical evidence. While Harriet was associated with the HMS Beagle, Darwin likely never owned or collected her. However, her longevity and ties to these two prominent figures create a fascinating historical narrative.