Galapagos Tortoise Turns 135, Becomes First-Time Dad

Zoo Miami just pulled off one of the most heartwarming double celebrations imaginable. Not only did their beloved Galapagos tortoise Goliath turn a whopping 135 years old, but he also marked his very first Father’s Day – as a brand-new dad! 

That’s right, the longtime resident and one of the world’s oldest zoo animals celebrated in style, proving that age is just a number when it comes to starting a family.

Fatherhood at 135: Tortoise Welcomes New Hatchling on Father's Day

This year, festivities were extra special at the Zoo Miami Father's Day event, where Goliath was the undisputed guest of honor. This gentle giant (weighing in at over 500 pounds) has called the zoo home since 1981, after a previous stint at the Bronx Zoo. And, this June, he added “Dad” to his résumé.

Earlier in the month, a single egg from a clutch of eight, laid by his longtime companion Sweet Pea back in January, successfully hatched. That tiny bundle of joy is now officially the first centennial tortoise baby hatchling born at Zoo Miami. 

It's a groundbreaking moment, not only for Goliath, who had never fathered any offspring before, but for the zoo itself. This marks the first time an endangered Galapagos tortoise has hatched there.

Galapagos Tortoise’s 135th Birthday: More Than Just a Number

Goliath’s big day on June 15 was a true milestone. His records show that he hatched sometime between 1885 and 1890 on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos.

This famous tortoise was around before the invention of the airplane. He’s survived wars, world-changing inventions, and several moves before settling into his forever home at Zoo Miami.

Ron Magill, the zoo’s spokesperson, called Goliath his hero and praised his determination. “He is living proof that, where there’s a will, there’s a way.” He also said we should never give up. 

The Miracle of the Galapagos Tortoise Zoo Miami Birth

While Goliath has shared his space with female tortoises for years, this is the first time his efforts have paid off. Sweet Pea, his partner in this parenting journey, is no spring chicken, either. Zoo experts estimate her age to be between 85 and 100. Together, these golden oldies have made zoo history.

The new hatchling is being kept in a separate enclosure for now, where keepers can monitor its health and development. In the wild, baby tortoises are completely on their own from the moment they emerge, so this solo setup is perfectly normal. Meanwhile, the proud parents continue to bask in the South Florida sun – and the admiration of their loyal fans.

Celebrating 135 Years of Goliath

How often do you read the headline, “Giant tortoise celebrates Father’s Day”? As we celebrate this Galapagos tortoise's 135th birthday, we also get to watch him begin a new chapter, one that few creatures his age ever get to write. 

Goliath’s story isn’t just about longevity, but perseverance, patience, and a little bit of late-in-life magic. Whether you’re a lifelong tortoise enthusiast or just love a good underdog story, his journey is a reminder that it’s never too late for a fresh start, even at 135.