141-Year-Old Gramma the Tortoise Dies at San Diego Zoo
UPDATE: Gramma, the beloved 141-year-old Galápagos tortoise, has died at the San Diego Zoo, a heart-wrenching loss for staff and visitors alike. Her passing was confirmed on Thursday, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the zoo’s history.
Gramma, who was among the first Galápagos tortoises to arrive at the zoo in 1928, held the title of the oldest living creature at the facility. Zoo officials revealed that her health had been declining due to advanced age-related bone conditions, prompting them to make the “compassionate and exceptionally difficult decision” to euthanize her.
“It is astonishing to consider what Gramma lived through in her lifetime…as the world around her experienced more than 20 U.S. presidents, two World Wars and two pandemics,” stated zoo officials on social media.
Gramma was not just a tortoise but an icon, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Zoo.” She had a profound impact on countless guests and staff throughout her nearly century-long life, becoming a vital ambassador for reptile conservation worldwide. Her presence at the zoo was intertwined with the history of the Balboa Park institution.
In a poignant tribute to her legacy, Gramma celebrated her 140th birthday last year with a special cake made of her favorite foods, including romaine lettuce and cactus fruit. The zoo staff filmed as she enjoyed her feast, a touching moment that highlighted the deep bond they shared.
Gramma’s passing is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of conservation efforts. Her companion, Speed, another Galápagos tortoise who joined the zoo in 1933, passed away in 2015 at the estimated age of 150.
As the San Diego Zoo mourns the loss of Gramma, they invite the public to celebrate her life by enjoying a fruit-filled salad, reminiscent of her favorite treats. “It was a privilege to care for an animal as long as we had,” zoo officials expressed, emphasizing the special connection formed over the years.
Zoo visitors and animal lovers alike are encouraged to share their memories of Gramma, whose gentle presence will be sorely missed. The impact she made on generations of zoo-goers is immeasurable, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of many.
The San Diego Zoo continues to advocate for wildlife conservation, drawing inspiration from Gramma’s life and the countless stories shared by those who had the privilege to know her.
