What's Happening?
Gramma, a beloved Galápagos tortoise and the oldest resident of the San Diego Zoo, has died at the age of approximately 141. Gramma was born in her native habitat and arrived at the San Diego Zoo from
the Bronx Zoo between 1928 and 1931. Known for her sweet and shy personality, she delighted visitors for decades, living through significant historical events such as two World Wars and the tenure of 20 U.S. presidents. Gramma was affectionately referred to as 'the Queen of the Zoo' by her care specialists. Her death was due to bone conditions related to her advanced age, which had recently worsened, leading to her euthanization. The tortoise's long life and impact on visitors have been fondly remembered by many, including Cristina Park, who was inspired to learn more about tortoise conservation after visiting Gramma as a child.
Why It's Important?
Gramma's passing marks the end of an era for the San Diego Zoo, highlighting the longevity and resilience of Galápagos tortoises, which can live over 100 years in the wild and even longer in captivity. Her life serves as a testament to the success of conservation efforts for endangered species. The zoo's ability to maintain such a long-lived resident underscores the importance of captive breeding programs, which have helped increase the population of Galápagos tortoises, many of which are vulnerable or critically endangered. Gramma's story also emphasizes the role zoos play in educating the public about wildlife conservation and inspiring future generations to engage in environmental stewardship.
