Goliath becomes a father at 135 years old in historic zoo moment
- Goliath, a Galapagos tortoise, turned 135 and became a father for the first time after one egg hatched at Zoo Miami.
- His successful parenthood is significant as it's the first time a Galapagos tortoise has hatched at Zoo Miami.
- Goliath's story serves as an inspiring reminder of hope and the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species.
In the United States, Zoo Miami celebrated a remarkable event involving Goliath, a 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise, who has recently become a father for the first time. Goliath, whose official records indicate he hatched on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos between 1885 and 1890, laid one successful egg from a clutch of eight that was laid on January 27, 2025, and it hatched on June 4, 2025. This significant event is paramount not only because it marks Goliath's debut as a father, but it is also the first time in Zoo Miami's history that a Galapagos tortoise has hatched there. Goliath's life has spanned over a century, with the tortoise residing at various zoos since he moved from the Bronx Zoo to Zoo Miami in 1981. Despite attempts to breed with several females throughout his life, he never successfully fathered any offspring until now. The hatchling's mother, Sweet Pea, is estimated to be between 85 and 100 years old. Together, they bring a combined age of over 200 years, and zoo officials believe they may qualify as the oldest first-time parents in history. The zoo has documented that Goliath's journey is an inspiring story of resilience, showcasing that it is never too late for change and success. Official statements from zoo representatives highlight Goliath as a symbol of hope, with a spokesman declaring him a hero. It is anticipated that this historic moment may also lead to Goliath being recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest first-time father in history. As the first offspring of this endangered species emerged, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications for Galapagos tortoises. These animals saw their numbers drastically reduced prior to the 20th century due to human activities and invasive species on the Galapagos Islands. Modern threats, such as climate change and habitat loss, continue to affect their survival. Therefore, Goliath and Sweet Pea's successful hatching brings a glimmer of hope for their species, as well as raising awareness about the importance of conservation efforts for these majestic reptiles.