San Diego, California – The San Diego Zoo has lost a “beloved icon” who called the zoo her home for nearly a century. The Galápagos tortoise, Gramma, passed away on November 20, after reaching an estimated age of 141 years.
The Zoo said:
Gramma’s storied legacy at the Zoo spans nearly the entire history of the institution itself. She arrived between 1928–1931 as part of the first group of Galápagos tortoises to come to the Zoo, and legend has it that San Diego Zoo founder Dr. Harry Wegeforth himself welcomed her arrival. Born in her native habitat, her exact birth date remains unknown, though experts estimate she may have reached the incredible age of 141 years, which would have made her the oldest individual thriving at the Zoo.
Outlining the incredible milestones that took place during Gramma’s life:
It is astonishing to consider what Gramma lived through in her lifetime. While enjoying sunshine, endless herbivorous snacks, and puddles in her habitats throughout Reptile Mesa, this sweet, shy tortoise observed the Zoo’s creation and evolution. As the world around her experienced more than 20 U.S. presidents, two World Wars, and two pandemics, she gently touched countless lives over nearly a century in San Diego as an ambassador for reptile conservation worldwide.
Gramma’s care providers made the difficult decision to humanely end her life because of the progression of her ongoing bone conditions related to advanced age.
Rest easy Gramma, aka “Queen of the Zoo.”
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