For nearly a century, visitors to the San Diego Zoo were greeted by a living legend: Gramma, the Galápagos tortoise, a creature whose slow, steady presence outlasted generations of keepers, millions of guests, and even the rise and fall of nations. On November 20, 2025, Gramma’s remarkable journey came to an end, as the zoo announced her passing at the estimated age of 141. Her death marks not just the loss of the zoo’s oldest resident, but the closing of a chapter that spanned two world wars, two pandemics, and the tenure of more than 20 U.S. presidents, according to ABC News and PEOPLE.
Gramma’s story began in the late 19th century. To put her age in perspective, the declaration of Philippine independence in 1898 occurred 14 years after her estimated birth, as noted by The Philippine Star. Sometime between 1928 and 1931, she arrived at the San Diego Zoo as part of the very first group of Galápagos tortoises to make the journey from their native islands to California. Her caretakers aren’t certain of the exact year, but what’s clear is that Gramma quickly became a fixture—and eventually, an icon—of the zoo.
Through the decades, Gramma earned the affectionate nickname "the Queen of the Zoo." She was a quiet, constant presence, appearing in black-and-white photographs from the zoo’s early days and, later, as a social media star, endearing herself to new generations of visitors. As the San Diego Zoo shared in a heartfelt Instagram tribute, "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 encouraged fans to honor her memory by enjoying a "generous, fruit-filled salad, a special tribute for a very special tortoise."
But Gramma’s life was not just about longevity—it was a testament to the enduring spirit of her species. Galápagos tortoises are famous for their lengthy lifespans, with some individuals living over 100 years in the wild and nearly 200 years in captivity, according to National Geographic. The oldest known Galápagos tortoise, Harriet, reached the age of 175 at the Australia Zoo. These gentle giants can grow over five feet in length, weigh more than 500 pounds, and move at a leisurely pace of about 0.15 miles per hour—roughly 1/20th the speed of a typical human, as The New York Times has noted.
Despite their impressive size and age, Galápagos tortoises face significant threats. Of the 15 recognized subspecies, three are already extinct and the rest are considered vulnerable or critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as reported by CBS News. The wild population has plummeted from an estimated 250,000 to between 15,000 and 25,000, primarily due to hunting and habitat loss. Yet, hope remains: recent breeding programs have seen success, such as the four baby Galápagos tortoises born at the Philadelphia Zoo in April 2025, whose parents were both in their 100s.
Gramma’s own journey was not without hardship. In her later years, she suffered from bone conditions related to advanced age—a common affliction in elderly tortoises. Her dedicated team of health and wildlife care experts at the San Diego Zoo monitored her closely, providing her with the best possible care. When her condition worsened and her quality of life declined, the zoo made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize her. "As these conditions recently progressed, they made the compassionate and exceptionally difficult decision to say goodbye," the zoo stated in its public announcement.
The impact of Gramma’s life extended far beyond her enclosure. She was more than just a beloved animal—she was an ambassador for reptile conservation worldwide. The zoo described her as "a witness to history, a beloved icon, and an extraordinary ambassador for her species." Her presence inspired countless visitors, some of whom fondly recalled seeing her as children and later bringing their own families to meet her. Comments on the San Diego Zoo’s Facebook page overflowed with memories, highlighting just how many lives Gramma touched over the decades.
Her story is a reminder of the power of individual animals to connect people to broader conservation efforts. Galápagos tortoises, native to the remote islands off the coast of Ecuador, have long captured the world’s imagination. Charles Darwin famously studied them during his voyage on the HMS Beagle, and their unique adaptations helped shape his theory of evolution. Today, they remain symbols of endurance and the urgent need to protect our planet’s biodiversity.
Gramma’s passing comes at a time when attention to endangered species is more critical than ever. Conservationists continue to work tirelessly to save the remaining Galápagos tortoises, employing innovative breeding programs and habitat restoration projects. The success at the Philadelphia Zoo is just one example of how zoos and wildlife organizations can play a pivotal role in preserving threatened species for future generations.
For the staff at the San Diego Zoo, saying goodbye to Gramma was especially poignant. Many had cared for her for years, some even decades. The zoo’s tribute captured the bittersweet nature of her passing: "She gently touched countless lives over nearly a century in San Diego as an ambassador for reptile conservation worldwide." The outpouring of grief and gratitude from the community speaks to the unique bond that can form between people and animals, even those as ancient and slow-moving as a Galápagos tortoise.
As the world moves on—faster than any tortoise could ever manage—Gramma’s legacy endures. Her life spanned eras of change, from the days of black-and-white photography to the age of Instagram, and her story will continue to inspire those who seek to protect the wonders of the natural world. So, the next time you enjoy a crisp salad, perhaps pause to remember the Queen of the Zoo—a gentle giant whose quiet strength left an indelible mark on San Diego and beyond.
