The Remarkable Life of a 'Gentle and Reserved' Tortoise Spanning Empires and Wars

In 2022, the San Diego Zoo celebrated what would have been Gramma's 138th birthday.

The exact birthdate of Gramma, a Galápagos tortoise, remains a mystery. Nevertheless, she witnessed the dissolution of empires, lived through two global conflicts, and saw over 20 different U.S. presidents take office. If she truly was born in 1884, Chester A. Arthur was the American President, and the United States was comprised of only 39 states at that point.

During that year, significant events included the completion of the Washington Monument and the publication of the first Oxford English Dictionary. The British Empire, under Queen Victoria's rule, still exerted its influence worldwide. Meanwhile, the establishment of the prime meridian in Greenwich, England, aided in standardizing maps and global time zones.

Gramma's Legacy

After living for over a century at the San Diego Zoo, Gramma passed away at the age of 141, allowing for some uncertainty, with devoted keepers by her side. The care team at the zoo had been diligently managing her age-related health conditions, ultimately reaching a heartfelt decision to part ways.

Following her transfer from the Bronx Zoo in New York, after originally residing in the Galápagos, Gramma became a beloved presence in San Diego.

Secrets to a Long Life

Despite living through turbulent times, Gramma seemingly remained unaffected by them. This might explain her longevity, according to Steven Austad, a biology professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

"Their way of living is notably slow," Austad remarks. "Since the processes they undergo also progress slowly, potential damage accumulates at a reduced pace, contributing to their extended lifespans."

To put things into perspective, in 2012, a Galápagos tortoise well over a century old died in its native islands. In 2015, another tortoise at the San Diego Zoo departed at approximately 150 years old.

Stephen Blake, a biology professor who has intensely studied these grand creatures, suggests they age gracefully. He describes them as the environmental equivalents of energy-efficient cars, possessing bodies capable of 'physiological oil changes' that detoxify accumulated waste.

A Natural Wonder

A special celebration once honored Gramma’s estimated 138 years of life. The zoo affectionately referred to her as 'the Queen of the Zoo,' both sweet and shy. She left a lasting impact, serving as an esteemed ambassador for reptilian conservation across the globe.

The origin story of Galápagos tortoises is fascinating; they likely traveled from South America, aided by their buoyant shells and extended necks akin to snorkels. Geneticists even theorize that the entire Galápagos population descended from one female who arrived at the islands up to three million years ago.

The male tortoises can grow up to six feet long, while females are about half that size. Interestingly, reproductive biology indicates females can store sperm for multiple years, highlighting one of nature's extraordinary adaptations.

Enduring Connections

Standing as a living relic, Gramma was born not long after Charles Darwin's passing. It is conceivable her ancestors encountered Darwin during his 1835 expedition to the Galápagos aboard the HMS Beagle.

"There are likely tortoises alive today that were present during Darwin's historic visit," suggests Blake, leaving open the possibility of indirect links to the famed naturalist.