The San Diego Zoo’s oldest resident, Galapagos tortoise Gramma, passed away at the remarkable age of 141. Originally from her natural habitat, she had been in the zoo since 1928 or 1931, arriving from the Bronx Zoo with the first group of Galapagos tortoises. Despite witnessing significant historical events like two world wars and the terms of 20 U.S. presidents, Gramma charmed visitors with her gentle demeanor.
Fondly referred to as “the Queen of the Zoo” by her caretakers, Gramma had been facing age-related bone issues, which had worsened recently, leading to her euthanasia. Many visitors shared memories on social media of encountering Gramma during their youth and returning years later with their own children.
Galapagos tortoises, comprising 15 subspecies, have faced challenges, with three subspecies extinct and the remainder considered vulnerable or critically endangered. Conservation efforts have seen success, with over 10,000 young tortoises reintroduced to the wild since 1965.
In a positive development, the Philadelphia Zoo welcomed four baby Galapagos tortoises in April, born to parents around a century old. Similarly, Zoo Miami’s Goliath became a first-time father at 135 years old in June. These tortoises, known for their longevity, can live over a century in the wild and nearly double that in captivity.
Harriet, the oldest recorded Galapagos tortoise, lived at Australia Zoo until 175, having been collected in 1835. Her lifespan from hatching around 1830 until her passing in 2006 showcases the remarkable longevity of these creatures.
With efforts ongoing to protect and preserve Galapagos tortoises, the legacy of Gramma and other long-lived tortoises continues to inspire conservationists and zoo visitors alike.