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San Diego Zoo’s Beloved Galápagos Tortoise ‘Gramma’ Dies at Estimated 141

Zoo staff say they chose humane euthanasia after age-related bone disease worsened.

Overview

  • Her death occurred on Nov. 20, according to the zoo's announcement.
  • Born in the wild, she came from the Bronx Zoo in 1928 or 1931 and became San Diego’s oldest resident.
  • Keepers and visitors knew her as the “Queen of the Zoo,” an ambassador who connected generations to the species.
  • The zoo says it now cares for 12 Galápagos tortoises as recovery efforts continue for vulnerable subspecies.
  • Conservation groups report over 10,000 juveniles have been released to the wild since 1965, while IUCN listings still flag ongoing risks.