The turtle that became the “Queen of the Zoo” and distinguished generations in the United States has died at the age of 141 years.

Gramma, the giant Galapagos tortoise, an icon of the San Diego Zoo for nearly 141 years, died on Thursday (20). The foundation confirmed the news on social media, highlighting the animal’s impact on millions of visitors over nearly a century. Specialists had been monitoring the turtle due to an age-related bone problem, which had developed in recent weeks. When his condition worsened, he was eliminated.

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Zoo officials describe Gramma as “sweet” and “shy.” In a note to the Daily Mail, the foundation stated that she has “impacted the lives of countless people in San Diego, being an incredible ambassador for reptile conservation.” Gramma was brought from the Galapagos Islands to the Bronx Zoo in the US before heading to San Diego in 1928 or 1931, where it became part of one of the largest collections of rare and endangered species on the planet.

Known as the “Zoo Queen,” she has survived more than 20 American presidents and fought two world wars. He was over 30 years old when he accompanied the founding of the San Diego Zoo. For decades, he received visitors from different generations, and many of them took to social media to recount personal memories after his death was announced.

According to CBS News, among these reports, one states that in the 1960s, children were allowed to ride on turtle shells — a practice that would not be acceptable today. Another visitor said he fed Gramma romaine lettuce during a visit about 20 years ago, describing her as a “gentle soul.” A third person said they had the honor of meeting her on a VIP visit at the beginning of the year, writing: “My heart is breaking.”

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Giant Galapagos tortoises can live for more than a century, and weigh more than 250 kilograms. This species, which is considered endangered, includes 15 subspecies, three of which have now disappeared. Since 1965, according to the Galapagos Nature Reserve, captive breeding programs have allowed thousands of animals to be reintroduced to their native habitat.

The grandmother was loved by zoo visitors and staff alike - Image: AFP — The grandmother was loved by zoo visitors and staff alike – Image: AFP

Although Gramma’s lifespan was exceptional, there are records of longer-lived turtles. The most famous case is that of Harriet, kept at Australia Zoo, who lived to be 175 years old. However, the Gramma painting remains one of the oldest works on display in zoological institutions in the world.

Simple in her habits, Grandma enjoyed sunbathing, small waterholes, lettuce and cactus fruits. To honor her, the San Diego Zoo suggested that the public commemorate her with a “generous fruit-filled salad,” a nice way to bid farewell to the turtle that has been part of the city’s history for decades.