Gramma the Galapagos tortoise, an original San Diego Zoo resident, dies at 141

"Gramma, a Galápagos tortoise whose life at the San Diego Zoo spanned more than 20 presidents, two world wars and two pandemics, has died. Believed to be 141 years old, the tortoise whom the zoo described on social media as "a witness to history, a beloved icon, and an extraordinary ambassador for her species," was euthanized on Thursday because of deteriorating bones caused by her age."

"Called "the Queen of the Zoo" by her tenders, Gramma is believed to have been brought to the San Diego facility with other Galápagos tortoises between 1928 and 1931, shortly after the zoo's grand opening in 1923. Although it's unclear exactly when she was born, specialists estimate that she was roughly 141 old, making her the oldest resident of the zoo."

"In announcing Gramma's death, the zoo posted video of her munching on vegetarian meals - romaine lettuce and cactus fruit were particular favorites - and meandering around her habitat and lazily plodding through a pond. "In her memory, we invite you to enjoy a generous, fruit-filled salad, a special tribute for a very special tortoise," the zoo's social media post said."

Gramma lived at the San Diego Zoo for nearly a century after arriving between 1928 and 1931. She was believed to be about 141 years old and was the zoo's oldest resident. She lived through more than 20 presidencies, two world wars, and two pandemics. Worsening bone deterioration from advanced age prompted euthanasia after sustained care. Care teams described her as a sweet, shy tortoise and she was called the Queen of the Zoo by her tenders. She favored romaine lettuce and cactus fruit, and caretakers shared video of her in her habitat and a suggested fruit-filled salad tribute.

Read at Los Angeles Times