Lovestruck tortoise sets fire to conservatory, killing self and mate

Poor Henry. This British tortoise just wanted some lovin' after emerging from hibernation. But as he chased his partner, Alice, around, he knocked over his own heating lamp, setting fire to the wood chippings lining their enclosure. The blaze destroyed their conservatory and killed them both. "Firefighters who attended said they would have perished from smoke inhalation and wouldn't have suffered," owner Alf Clayton said, noting that his wife, Gayner, was devastated. The couple has 15 grandchildren, but Clayton said Henry and Alice were his wife's "pride and joy." Of the departed Henry, Clayton said, "He always was a bit of a one." Good night, sweet prince. [Source]

Click to see more on msnNOW.com, updated 24 hours a day.