Shopping cart
The San Diego Zoo has announced with deep sadness the passing of its oldest and most cherished resident, a Galápagos tortoise named Gramma. Experts estimate her age to be approximately 141 years. Gramma, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Zoo,” was part of the first group of Galápagos tortoises to arrive in San Diego in the late 1920s or early 1930s, becoming a living symbol of longevity and history.
The long-lived tortoise spent nearly a century at the zoo, serving as an unwitting witness to two World Wars, two pandemics, and the tenure of more than twenty U.S. presidents. She survived colossal historical shifts, from black-and-white photography to the age of social media. Gramma captivated generations of visitors with her gentle and shy demeanor.
The decision for humane euthanasia was made by veterinarians on November 20, 2025, after age-related bone diseases began to progress, making it impossible to ensure her comfort. Gramma’s departure marks the end of an era in the zoo’s history. Her legacy as an ambassador for reptile conservation will live on, reminding us of the importance of protecting these unique, long-lived creatures.
Read more info about this topic using the following link.
Read also:
Galápagos Giant Tortoises are Ecosystem Engineers
The Philadelphia Zoo is Celebrating the Tortoise Named Mommy and Her Babies That Set a World Record
