Tortoise Gramma, who lived for 141 years, dies; here’s the secret behind her exceptional lifespan

All about Gramma

Over the years, Gramma became a gentle symbol of the zoo. Visitors loved her sweet, shy nature, and many remembered meeting her as children, then returning years later with their own families. She lived through two World Wars and 20 US presidents, which earned her the nickname “Queen of the Zoo.”

In recent months, Gramma’s health had declined because of age-related bone problems. When her quality of life got worse, she was humanely euthanised on November 20, 2025.

What factors contribute to the exceptional longevity of Galápagos tortoises like Gramma, who lived to around 141 years?

According to Dr Shobha Jawre, Director of the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Jabalpur, “Slow metabolism, extended cellular lifespans, enhanced DNA repair mechanisms increase the life span of tortoises.” She further explained that large animals often have slower heart rates, longer development periods, and more robust physiological systems, all of which contribute to longevity.

“Even preventative and therapeutic care, environmental enrichment and exercise, proper nutrition (a more fibre and less protein ratio diet is preferred), mineral and vitamin supplements, spacious enclosures, temperature regulation areas (basking and shady areas), soft substrate made of soil with adequate humidity levels to avoid plastron abrasions,” Dr Shobha added.

However, as they age, the following deficiencies affect their longevity:

Dr Jawre explained, “Most common would be chronic mineral deficiencies leading to egg laying abnormalities such as egg-bound condition, chronic joint and bone abnormalities (although rare in zoos), metabolic bone disease (MBD) and renal abnormalities leading to gout and bladder stone formations, and sometimes obesity if the activity is very restricted.”

 

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Galapagos tortoises are famous for living a long time. Harriet, the oldest known Galapagos tortoise, reached 175 years at the Australia Zoo.  In 1965, more than 10,000 captive-bred juvenile tortoises were released into the wild, helping bring some subspecies back from the edge of extinction. Gramma’s life and legacy remain a testament to the historical significance of these extraordinary creatures.