Goliath, the Galapagos Tortoise, Celebrates 135th Birthday and First Father’s Day at Zoo Miami
Goliath, the Galapagos tortoise, made headlines this June after hatching his first baby at the remarkable age of 135. At Zoo Miami, this slow-moving legend not only welcomed his first hatchling but also marked the zoo’s first successful Galapagos tortoise birth.
This marks a rare event in the animal world and a feel-good moment in conservation.
The tortoise named Goliath is believed to be the oldest first-time father ever recorded. His new hatchling broke through its shell on June 4, giving the long-waiting Goliath a Father’s Day surprise that is over a century in the making. The zoo applied to Guinness for official recognition.
Sweet Pea, Goliath’s mate, also joined in the record bid. Estimated to be between 85 and 100 years old, she laid eight eggs. One of them finally hatched, making this pair the oldest known first-time tortoise parents, with a combined age of over 200 years.
This baby Galapagos tortoise is not just special because of its father. It also became the first one ever to hatch at Zoo Miami. Despite decades of attempts and high hopes, the zoo had never seen a successful Galapagos tortoise birth until now.
The News / Goliath came to the U.S. back in 1929 after hatching on Santa Cruz Island sometime in the late 1800s.
He spent 52 years at the Bronx Zoo before moving to Miami in 1981. Despite living with different females over the years, no hatchlings ever came.
Zoo Miami staff never stopped trying. They worked patiently with Goliath, adjusting breeding plans and hoping for the best. After years of no results, this single hatchling proves the long wait paid off.
The Hatchling is Doing Well
The tiny tortoise is healthy and safe in a separate enclosure. Unlike some animals, Galapagos tortoise babies are completely independent from birth, so mom and dad haven’t had to parent directly.
To celebrate the rare moment, Zoo Miami shared “Daddy and Me” photos of Goliath and his baby. Though they don’t raise their young, seeing the massive tortoise next to his tiny offspring captured hearts and brought wide smiles to animal lovers.
Galapagos tortoises are endangered. Over the years, their numbers dropped due to hunting, habitat loss, and climate issues. A successful hatch like this is a big win for breeding programs trying to protect the species.
NPR / Zoo spokesperson Ron Magill didn’t hold back his pride. He said Goliath proves that “where there is a will, there is a way” and urged people not to give up.
Father’s Day took on new meaning for Goliath. For decades, he walked slowly through life without a hatchling. This year, his first Father’s Day celebration came with real weight and history behind it.
Why Tortoises Live So Long?
Galapagos tortoises are known for their long lifespans. They can live over 150 years in the right conditions. That is why Goliath’s age is not unheard of, but becoming a dad at 135 is something that has never been seen before in recorded history.
Goliath’s exact birth year isn’t known, but he hatched sometime between 1885 and 1890. That means this tortoise was alive before airplanes, before sliced bread, and before the invention of the light switch. Now, he is a parent in the smartphone era.
Tortoises don’t move fast, and neither do their reproductive timelines. Some males can go their entire lives without siring a hatchling. Goliath’s story is unusual not just for his age, but for the sheer patience it took to finally reach this point.
Only one of the eight eggs hatched, but that is still a major success. The survival rate for eggs is often low. This tiny tortoise now carries the hopes of a future generation.