The San Diego Zoo’s oldest resident, Gramma the Galapagos tortoise, has passed away at the remarkable age of 141, surpassing all her caretakers. She arrived at the zoo from the Bronx Zoo in either 1928 or 1931 as part of the initial group of Galapagos tortoises. Gramma, known for her sweet and shy nature, lived through significant historical events such as two world wars and the tenure of 20 U.S. presidents.
Affectionately dubbed “the Queen of the Zoo” by her caretakers, Gramma had been battling age-related bone conditions, leading to her recent euthanasia. Many visitors fondly recalled their encounters with Gramma over the years, with some sharing stories of visiting her as children and returning with their own kids.
Galapagos tortoises, which consist of 15 subspecies, have faced significant threats to their existence, with three subspecies already extinct and the remaining ones classified as vulnerable or critically endangered. Conservation efforts have been ongoing for decades, resulting in the successful breeding and release of over 10,000 juvenile tortoises into the wild since 1965.
In a positive development, four baby Galapagos tortoises were recently born at the Philadelphia Zoo to parents approximately 100 years old, marking a significant milestone for the zoo. Similarly, at Zoo Miami, a 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise named Goliath became a father for the first time in June. These tortoises have long lifespans, with some individuals like Harriet, who lived until 175 at the Australia Zoo, showcasing their incredible longevity.
The passing of Gramma serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures from extinction and ensure their survival for future generations.