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San Diego Zoo Loses Beloved 141-Year-Old Tortoise
25 Nov
Summary
- Gramma, the San Diego Zoo's oldest resident, has died at an estimated 141 years.
- The Galápagos tortoise was known for her sweet, shy personality and lived through significant historical events.
- Her passing highlights the vulnerability of Galápagos tortoises, with many subspecies endangered.

Gramma, the San Diego Zoo's esteemed Galápagos tortoise and its oldest resident, has passed away at an estimated age of 141 years. She was known for her sweet and shy demeanor, delighting visitors over many decades.
Having arrived at the zoo between 1928 and 1931, Gramma lived through two World Wars and twenty U.S. presidencies. Her care specialists fondly referred to her as 'the Queen of the Zoo.'
Gramma's passing draws attention to the plight of Galápagos tortoises, a species facing significant threats. Many subspecies are currently listed as vulnerable or critically endangered, prompting ongoing conservation efforts.




