LOS ANGELES — Gramma, the San Diego Zoo’s oldest resident and a beloved Galápagos tortoise, has passed away at an estimated age of 141. For over a century, she charmed generations of visitors with her calm, gentle presence.
Gramma: A San Diego Zoo Galápagos Tortoise Over 140 Years Old
Gramma was born in the Galápagos Islands and arrived at the San Diego Zoo on Nov. 20, either in 1928 or 1931, transferred from the Bronx Zoo as part of the zoo’s first group of Galápagos tortoises.
Over the decades, she became a living icon. Through two World Wars, 20 U.S. presidents, and massive cultural changes, Gramma remained a steady and comforting presence for zoo visitors of all ages. Caregivers affectionately called her “the Queen of the Zoo.”
In her final months, age-related bone issues worsened, and the zoo made the compassionate decision to humanely end her suffering.
Visitors’ Memories of San Diego Zoo’s Beloved Galápagos Tortoise
Gramma touched the lives of countless visitors. Many shared stories online, recalling childhood visits and returning years later with their own children.
Cristina Park, 69, remembered riding on a tortoise’s back as a child—an experience no longer allowed—but said it inspired a lifelong fascination with tortoises and conservation.
“It’s incredible how much they live through,” she said. “And yet they keep going.”
Her calm, gentle presence left a lasting impression, inspiring awe and curiosity about wildlife.
Galápagos Tortoise Longevity: How Long Do San Diego Zoo Tortoises Live?
Galápagos tortoises are among the longest-living animals on Earth. They typically live over 100 years in the wild and can reach nearly 200 years under human care.
The oldest recorded Galápagos tortoise, Harriet, lived to 175 at Australia Zoo. She was collected in 1835, hatched around 1830, and survived until 2006.
Today, 15 subspecies of Galápagos tortoises exist. Three are believed extinct, while the rest are listed as vulnerable or critically endangered by the IUCN.
Conservation Efforts for San Diego Zoo’s Galápagos Tortoises
Conservation programs have helped rebuild Galápagos tortoise populations. Since 1965, over 10,000 young tortoises have been bred in captivity and released into the wild. Several subspecies have recovered from dangerously low numbers.
Recent milestones include:
- In April, the Philadelphia Zoo welcomed four hatchlings from parents around 100 years old—a first for the facility.
- In June, Goliath, a 135-year-old tortoise at Zoo Miami, became a father for the first time.
Thanks to dedicated caretakers and conservation initiatives, the legacy of San Diego Zoo Galápagos tortoises like Gramma continues, inspiring future generations to protect these extraordinary creatures.