141 Years. One Extraordinary Life. 🐢💚

Gramma wasn’t just the oldest resident of the San Diego Zoo — she was a remarkable living link to more than a century of history and change. At an estimated 141 years old, her life began in the late 1800s, a time before airplanes, television, or the internet existed. Her lifespan stretched across eras, witnessing two World Wars, two pandemics, and more than 20 U.S. presidents — a perspective that few beings, human or animal, can ever claim. ABC News+1

A Galápagos giant tortoise, Gramma belonged to one of the longest-living vertebrate species on Earth. In the wild, these tortoises typically live more than 100 years, and under human care they can sometimes live substantially longer due to protection from predators and constant veterinary support. https://www.wsaw.com

Gramma arrived at the San Diego Zoo nearly a century ago, brought to California between 1928 and 1931 from the Bronx Zoo as part of the zoo’s first group of Galápagos tortoises. Over decades, she became a beloved icon known affectionately as the “Queen of the Zoo.” Her personality was gentle and unhurried, traits that made her a favorite among keepers and generations of visitors alike — some of whom remembered seeing her as children and returning years later to find her still there. People.com

Galápagos tortoises are renowned not only for their impressive longevity but also for their biological adaptations. These giant reptiles can store food and water in their bodies, allowing them to survive long periods without sustenance — a trait that contributes to their extended lifespans. San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants Moreover, scientific records show that the oldest known individuals of this species have lived well over 150 years, including Harriet, who died at about 175 years old at the Australia Zoo. https://www.wsaw.com

Throughout her long life, Gramma experienced profound global and cultural changes. She survived the transition from horse-drawn transportation to modern electric cars, witnessed the invention and rise of computers and the internet, and was cared for through fluctuations in conservation understanding and practice. Her life spanned from the age of empires to the era of space travel and digital communication. The Washington Post

In her later years, zoo veterinarians monitored her health closely, particularly age-related bone conditions that are common in extremely old tortoises. As these issues progressed, keepers and wildlife specialists made the compassionate decision to euthanize her peacefully on November 20, 2025, surrounded by the caretakers who had known her for decades. People.com

Gramma’s passing also highlights the fragile status of her species. Galápagos tortoises, once exploited heavily by whalers and sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries, now face ongoing threats from habitat loss and introduced predators. Today, conservation programs — including captive breeding and reintroduction efforts — play a critical role in protecting these ancient animals. Some programs have successfully raised and released thousands of tortoises back into their native habitats, helping to stabilize vulnerable populations. Galápagos Conservancy

Her extraordinary life is a powerful reminder of why protecting slow-growing, long-lived species matters: given proper care and protection, these animals can serve as living ambassadors for their kind and inspire conservation efforts across generations. Gramma was more than just a zoo resident; she was a symbol of endurance, resilience, and the deep connections between humanity and the natural world. Wikipedia

Rest peacefully, Gramma. Your legacy will continue to inspire conservation and curiosity for many years to come. 🌿