A 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise named Goliath has become a first-time father at Zoo Miami, marking a groundbreaking event for conservation and possibly setting a world record for the oldest first-time father in the animal kingdom.
At a Glance
- Goliath turned 135 and welcomed his first offspring with female tortoise Sweet Pea
- The hatchling is the first Galapagos tortoise born at Zoo Miami
- Guinness World Records is reviewing Goliath’s case as the oldest first-time turtle dad
- The baby tortoise emerged after 128 days of incubation
- Galapagos tortoises are critically endangered, with breeding success exceedingly rare
A Century in the Making
Goliath, born around 1890 on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, was first housed at the Bronx Zoo before relocating to Zoo Miami in 1981. After decades of unsuccessful breeding attempts, he finally became a father when one of Sweet Pea’s eggs hatched on June 4. According to Zoo Miami officials, the birth marks the zoo’s first Galapagos tortoise hatchling in history.
Watch a report: Tortoise Celebrates First Father’s Day at 135 Years Old
A New Conservation Benchmark
Sweet Pea, the mother tortoise, is estimated to be between 85 and 100 years old. The successful hatching follows a 128-day incubation period and underscores the significance of long-term conservation efforts. Zoo officials have submitted a Guinness application for Goliath as the oldest first-time father on record.
Galapagos tortoises are listed as endangered, and their numbers have been decimated by habitat destruction and introduced species. Goliath’s hatchling represents a beacon of hope for the species’ revival.
What Comes Next for the Hatchling
Zoo Miami reports the hatchling is being kept in a controlled environment away from public view to ensure optimal development. As with wild tortoises, no parental care will be provided, which is normal for the species.
Goliath’s milestone has drawn attention not just for its rarity but for the broader message of resilience in conservation science—a living testament to the idea that it’s never too late to make history.
