Gramma, a Galápagos tortoise long familiar to visitors and park staff, has died at an estimated age of about 141, officials said. The elderly tortoise reportedly succumbed to natural causes after showing a recent decline in mobility and appetite.
Galápagos tortoises are known for their remarkable longevity, and Gramma’s estimated age placed her among the oldest recorded individuals of the species. Over more than a century, she witnessed significant changes on the islands and in the conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding native wildlife.
Park officials said Gramma’s passing highlights the ongoing need for conservation and monitoring of Galápagos tortoises, which continue to face threats from habitat loss, invasive species and human activity. In response, staff plan a limited, respectful memorial to honor her life while reaffirming their commitment to protecting remaining tortoise populations.
The conservation programs that helped preserve tortoise numbers will continue, officials added, as caretakers and researchers work to ensure these iconic animals thrive for generations to come.