Visitors of the San Diego Zoo are remembering a gentle icon. Gramma, a Galápagos tortoise estimated to be 141 years old, died on November 20 after decades as one of the zoo’s most admired animals. Zoo officials shared that she was suffering from age related bone disease and was humanely euthanized.
Gramma was considered the oldest resident in the zoo’s history. She arrived from the Bronx Zoo sometime between 1928 and 1931, during the early development of the San Diego Zoo. Her life spanned more than a century of major world events, including two World Wars and 20 United States presidents. The zoo described her personality as sweet, reserved, and patient.
A Legacy of Conservation and Connection
Many visitors shared emotional memories online, saying they saw Gramma as children and later returned to show their own families. Some recalled a time in the mid 20th century when visitors were allowed to ride giant tortoises, a practice that later ended as animal welfare standards changed.
Cristina Park, now 69, told local reporters that seeing Gramma as a child inspired her lifelong support for conservation. “Just how amazing it is that they managed to live through so much,” she said. “And yet they’re still there.”
The San Diego Zoo posted a tribute acknowledging her role as an ambassador for endangered species. More information about the zoo’s conservation programs can be found at sandiegozoo.org.
About Galápagos Tortoises
Galápagos tortoises are among the longest living animals on Earth. Many live over 100 years in the wild and even longer with medical care and protected habitats. The oldest known Galápagos tortoise was Harriet, who lived at Australia Zoo and died in 2006 at the age of 175, according to historical accounts reported by major outlets including Reuters.
The species consists of 15 known subspecies. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, most are considered vulnerable or critically endangered because of habitat loss and past exploitation. The Galápagos Conservancy reports that breeding programs and habitat restoration efforts have helped restore population numbers, with more than 10,000 young tortoises released back into the wild since 1965.
A Lasting Influence
Recent conservation milestones show progress. Earlier this year, four baby Galápagos tortoises hatched at the Philadelphia Zoo from first time parents estimated to be around 100 years old. Zoo Miami also announced that Goliath, a 135 year old tortoise, became a father for the first time.
While Gramma will no longer greet visitors, zoo staff say her impact will continue through education and conservation programs. The San Diego Zoo called her “the Queen of the Zoo,” and many agree that title will stay with her in memory.
For generations of visitors, she was more than an exhibit. She was a reminder of the natural world’s age, mystery, and resilience.