Farewell to a Centenarian Legend: Gramma, the Galápagos Tortoise Who Made History at 141

The world of conservation and turtle enthusiasts are in mourning. The San Diego Zoo has bid farewell to its oldest and most beloved resident: Gramma, a giant Galápagos tortoise who, at an estimated 141 years old, closed her eyes for the last time on November 20.

Gramma was not just an attraction; she was a living time capsule, an ambassador for her species, and the "queen of the zoo" who witnessed modern history from the calm of her shell.

 

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A life that witnessed history

Born in the wild in the Galápagos Islands around 1880, Gramma lived an extraordinary life. While the human world went through two world wars and the United States saw 20 different presidents, she kept her slow and steady pace.

Although the exact date of her arrival at the San Diego Zoo is uncertain, records indicate she came from the Bronx Zoo, arriving in California between 1928 and 1931 as part of the first group of Galápagos tortoises at the institution. Since then, she became an icon.

The secret to her longevity: Diet and Personality

How do you reach 141 years? Her caretakers attribute part of her success to a strict and delicious diet that included her favorites:

• Fresh romaine lettuce.

• Juicy cactus fruit juices.

But beyond her diet, it was her personality that captivated generations. Described as sweet and shy, Gramma connected with millions of people.

"It's incredible that she managed to survive so many things. And yet, she's still there." — Cristina Park, longtime zoo visitor.

The connection with the public was so strong that visitors like Cristina Park, 69, remember meeting her as a child (even riding on her shell, an old practice now banned) and returning decades later with their own children and grandchildren. Gramma was the common thread between generations of animal lovers.

A dignified end and the context of the species

Unfortunately, old age brings inevitable challenges. Gramma suffered from degenerative bone problems that worsened recently, leading the veterinary team to make the difficult decision to euthanize her to prevent further suffering.

Facts about Galápagos tortoise longevity

Gramma now joins the pantheon of legendary tortoises, such as Harriet, the tortoise collected by Darwin who lived to be 175 years old in Australia.

• Lifespan: Over 100 years in the wild and nearly double that in captivity.

• Conservation status: According to the IUCN, of the 15 Galápagos subspecies, most are vulnerable or endangered.

Hope for the future

Although we say goodbye to Gramma, her legacy of conservation continues. Organizations like Galápagos Conservancy have released more than 10,000 young tortoises into their habitat since 1965.

In addition, this year has brought hopeful news from other zoos:

1. Philadelphia Zoo: In April, four hatchlings were born to first-time parents aged 100.

2. Miami Zoo: In June, Goliath (135 years old) became a father for the first time.

Gramma is gone, but the fight to preserve these gentle giants is more alive than ever. Farewell, Gramma!