Gramma was a beloved Galápagos tortoise who resided at the San Diego Zoo for nearly a century, serving as its oldest resident……

and an ambassador for her endangered species. Estimated to have been born around 1884 in her native Galápagos Islands habitat, she arrived at the zoo sometime between 1928 and 1931 as part of its early animal acquisitions. 0 Over her long life, Gramma witnessed historical events spanning two world wars, multiple pandemics, and over 20 U.S. presidents, while delighting generations of visitors with her gentle, shy personality—often described by zoo staff as the “Queen of the Zoo.” 2

She was known for her favorite treats like romaine lettuce and cactus fruit, and despite her advanced age, she remained active until health issues arose. 1 Tragically, Gramma passed away on November 20, 2025, after zoo wildlife health and care teams made the compassionate decision to euthanize her due to ongoing bone deterioration and other age-related conditions. 6 At approximately 141 years old, her lifespan highlights the remarkable longevity of Galápagos tortoises, though she wasn’t the oldest recorded—others like Jonathan (estimated 191+ years) are still alive today.

The image you shared seems to be a stylized or meme-style tribute, possibly from a social media page, announcing her passing with the dates 1884-2025 and a black-and-white photo of what appears to be Gramma resting peacefully. 5 Her death was widely reported by major outlets, underscoring her iconic status and the zoo’s conservation efforts for Galápagos tortoises, which face threats from habitat loss and invasive species.