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‘Queen’ Gramma the Tortoise, the Oldest Animal at the San Diego Zoo, Dies at the Estimated Age of 141

by John Smith•

The California zoo invited fans of the late Galápagos tortoise to enjoy one of her favorite snacks, a “generous, fruit-filled salad,” in her honor

Tortoise Born in 1884, the Oldest Animal at the San Diego Zoo, Dies

Gramma the Galápagos tortoise.

  • Gramma, the Galápagos tortoise, the oldest animal at the San Diego Zoo, died on Nov. 20
  • She was believed to be around 141 years old when she was euthanized due to “ongoing bone conditions related to advanced age,” the zoo said
  • Known as “the Queen of the Zoo,” Gramma was in the first group of Galápagos tortoises to arrive at the San Diego Zoo sometime between 1928 and 1931

The San Diego Zoo is saying goodbye to its oldest resident.

Gramma, the Galápagos tortoise, the oldest animal at the zoo, died on Thursday, Nov. 20, according to an emotional Instagram tribute the California zoo shared two days later. Gramma’s caretakers believe the reptile lived to be around 141 years old before she was humanely euthanized for health reasons, the zoo said, citing experts.

The tortoise’s health and wildlife care experts “had been closely monitoring her ongoing bone conditions related to advanced age,” the zoo said, “and as these conditions recently progressed, they made the compassionate and exceptionally difficult decision to say goodbye.”

Since arriving at the San Diego Zoo sometime between 1928 and 1931, Gramma has been a “quiet and constant presence at the Zoo, a witness to history, a beloved icon, and an extraordinary ambassador for her species,” her California home added.

Tortoise Born in 1884, the Oldest Animal at the San Diego Zoo, Dies
Gramma the Galápagos tortoise.

Gramma was part of the very first group of Galápagos tortoises to arrive at the zoo and, from “appearing in a handful of black-and-white photographs to becoming an ever-endearing social media star,” saw a lot of changes over her nearly century-long stay, according to the tribute.

The Galápagos tortoise also lived through a lot of history, all while representing her species.

“As the world around her experienced more than 20 U.S. presidents, two World Wars, and two pandemics,” wrote the zoo, “she gently touched countless lives over nearly a century in San Diego as an ambassador for reptile conservation worldwide.”

The community fixture lived through it all, earning the affectionate moniker “the Queen of the Zoo,” the San Diego Zoo said. While announcing her death, the park encouraged Gramma’s fans to honor her by enjoying a snack similar to her all-time favorite.

“Caring for such a remarkable tortoise was a privilege. Gramma’s devoted care team shared that she particularly loved romaine lettuce and cactus fruit,” the zoo’s tribute concluded. “In her memory, we invite you to enjoy a generous, fruit-filled salad, a special tribute for a very special tortoise.”

Tortoise Born in 1884, the Oldest Animal at the San Diego Zoo, Dies
Gramma the Galápagos tortoise eating.

Native to the islands that bear their name, Galápagos tortoises, also known as giant tortoises, often live to be over 100 years old, according to National Geographic.

Aside from their long lifespans, the reptiles are known for their large size (some grow over 5 feet in length and weigh over 500 lbs.) and their crawling speed.

They typically travel at about 0.15 miles per hour — or about 1/20th as fast as the typical human pace, according to The New York Times.

Of the 15 subspecies of Galápagos tortoises, three are extinct and the rest are vulnerable or critically endangered, CBS News reported, citing the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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