A Galápagos tortoise named Gramma died at the San Diego Zoo on November 20. She lived for about 141 years. Records showed that Gramma first came from the Galápagos Islands and later arrived from the Bronx Zoo around 1928 or 1931. The zoo said Gramma developed serious bone problems because of old age, and her condition became worse. Veterinarians decided to euthanize her to stop further pain. Many visitors remembered seeing Gramma, and some said she was a symbol of strength. Experts explained that Galápagos tortoises usually live more than one hundred years in the wild and often live longer in zoos.

The zoo said Gramma received special care near the end of her life. It explained that Galápagos tortoises have fifteen subspecies. Three are extinct, and the others are considered vulnerable or critically endangered. Since 1965, zoos have released more than ten thousand young tortoises into natural habitats to help protect the species. Recent hatchings at two American zoos showed that old tortoises can still have babies. Scientists said that protection, research, and habitat care are important for survival.