Archive · 25 Nov 2025
Gramma, Oldest California Zoo Tortoise, Dies at 141
Gramma was a very old Galápagos tortoise who lived at the San Diego Zoo.
She was about 141 years old when she died.
She came to the zoo from the Bronx Zoo a long time ago, either in 1928 or 1931.
Gramma was very special to the zoo and its visitors.
She lived through many important events, like two World Wars and the terms of 20 US presidents.
She was known for her sweet and shy personality.
Sadly, she had to be put to sleep because she was having health problems from being so old.
Many people loved visiting Gramma and shared their memories of her on social media.
Galápagos tortoises can live a very long time, and Gramma was one of the oldest.
There are efforts to protect these tortoises because some of their kinds are in danger of disappearing.
Gramma, a 141-year-old Galápagos tortoise, died at the San Diego Zoo on November 20.
She was the oldest resident of the San Diego Zoo and was known for her sweet, shy personality.
Gramma lived through two World Wars and the terms of 20 US presidents.
She was euthanized due to bone conditions related to her old age.
Galápagos tortoises can live over 100 years in the wild and up to 200 years in captivity.
- Who
- Gramma, a Galápagos tortoise and the oldest resident of the San Diego Zoo
- What
- Gramma's death at the age of 141
- When
- November 20
- Where
- San Diego Zoo
- Why
- Bone conditions related to her old age
- Name
- Gramma
- Species
- Galápagos tortoise
- Age at Death
- 141 years
- Residence
- San Diego Zoo
- Date of Death
- November 20
- Cause of Death
- Bone conditions related to old age
- Notable Traits
- Sweet, shy personality
- Lifespan in Captivity
- Up to 200 years