Gramma “Queen of the Zoo” has passed away after 141 years

Gramma, a Galápagos tortoise and one of the San Diego Zoo’s oldest residents, recently passed away after living there for nearly a century.

She was believed to be approximately 141 years old, with her birth estimated around 1884. Born in the wild, Gramma arrived at the San Diego Zoo between 1928 and 1931, having been transferred from the Bronx Zoo in New York City.

Over her extraordinary lifetime, Gramma lived through two World Wars, two global pandemics, and the tenures of 22 Canadian prime ministers. Zoo staff described her personality as “sweet and shy.” Her favourite treats included romaine lettuce, cactus fruit, and banana stalks.

When Gramma was born, the “Last Spike” was driven at Craigellachie, British Columbia, marking the completion of Canada’s first transcontinental railroad—a reminder of just how much history unfolded during her life.

1884-2025

“Having respect for animals makes us better humans.”

-Jane Goodall