Gramma, a Galápagos tortoise and the San Diego Zoo’s oldest animal, died Thursday at an estimated 141 years old. Zoo officials humanely euthanized the reptile due to “ongoing bone conditions related to advanced age” that had recently worsened. Known as “the Queen of the Zoo,” Gramma arrived between 1928 and 1931 as part of the first group of Galápagos tortoises at the facility. During her nearly century-long residence, she witnessed more than 20 U.S. presidents, two World Wars, and two pandemics while serving as an ambassador for reptile conservation. Zoo caretakers said Gramma “particularly loved romaine lettuce and cactus fruit.” The zoo encouraged visitors to honor her memory by enjoying “a generous, fruit-filled salad.” Galápagos tortoises typically live over 100 years, with 12 of 15 subspecies currently vulnerable or critically endangered. (Story URL)
