LOS ANGELES (AP) — Gramma, the beloved Galápagos tortoise and the oldest resident of the San Diego Zoo, has passed away at the remarkable age of approximately 141 years. The tortoise died on November 20, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that spans over a century of life in captivity.
Originally born in the Galápagos Islands, Gramma arrived at the San Diego Zoo from the Bronx Zoo, either in 1928 or 1931, as part of the zoo's initial group of Galápagos tortoises. Her long life witnessed significant historical events, including two World Wars and the presidencies of 20 different U.S. leaders. Known for her sweet and shy demeanor, Gramma brought joy to countless visitors throughout her life.
Gramma was under the care of specialist staff who affectionately referred to her as "the Queen of the Zoo." In recent times, she had been suffering from age-related bone conditions, which ultimately led to her euthanization. The vast number of visitors who experienced Gramma's presence often reflected on their memories of visiting her as children and later returning with their own families.
One visitor, Cristina Park, now 69 years old, recounted one of her earliest memories of the zoo when she was just 3 or 4. She recalled the experience of riding on the back of a tortoise, an activity that is currently prohibited, but which inspired her to keep a small desert tortoise as a pet and to engage more actively in tortoise conservation efforts.
Galápagos tortoises, like Gramma, are known for their impressive longevity, often living over 100 years in the wild, and up to double that in captivity. Gramma's passing reminds us of the incredible lifespans these tortoises can achieve. The oldest known Galápagos tortoise, named Harriet, lived to be 175 years old, having been collected from the Galápagos Islands in 1835 as a young tortoise. She died in 2006, marking another significant milestone in the history of these remarkable creatures.
There are currently 15 subspecies of Galápagos tortoises, three of which have been declared extinct. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the remaining subspecies are classified as vulnerable or critically endangered. Conservation efforts have gained traction over the past several decades, with more than 10,000 juvenile Galápagos tortoises being successfully bred and released into the wild since 1965. Some subspecies have even been brought back from the brink of extinction.
Recent developments in Galápagos tortoise breeding have been promising. For example, in April 2023, four baby Galápagos tortoises were born at the Philadelphia Zoo to parents who were approximately 100 years old—a notable first for the zoo. Additionally, in June 2023, a resident of Zoo Miami named Goliath became a first-time father at the impressive age of 135. These occurrences highlight the ongoing efforts and successes of conservationists working to preserve and enhance the Galápagos tortoise population.
Gramma’s lifetime not only serves as a testament to the endurance of her species, but also underscores the importance of conservation efforts as we strive to protect these magnificent creatures for future generations.
