This Father's Day will be unforgettable at the Miami Zoo as Goliath, a Galapagos giant tortoise and the zoo's oldest resident, has become a father for the first time at the remarkable age of 134. Weighing 517 pounds (around 235 kilograms), Goliath was born on June 15, 1885, on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos archipelago. After spending decades in captivity, initially at the Bronx Zoo from 1929 and later at the Miami Zoo since 1981, he had previously attempted to breed with various females without success until now.
On June 4, following 128 days of incubation, a hatchling emerged from one of the eight eggs laid on January 27, as shared in a story by the zoo on their official Facebook page. This marks not only the first offspring for Goliath but also the first successful birth of a Galapagos giant tortoise in the history of the Miami Zoo, making it a landmark event for the institution.
The mother of the hatchling is Sweet Pea, a tortoise who arrived at Crandon Park Zoo in Key Biscayne as an adult in 1960. Estimated to be between 85 and 100 years old, the couple's combined age totals more than two centuries. Due to this extraordinary occasion, the zoo has begun the process of having Goliath officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "oldest first-time father." They might also achieve the title of "oldest first-time parents" together with Sweet Pea.
Both reptiles are in good health in their public habitat; however, as is typical for the species, they do not display any connection with the hatchling, which has been moved to a separate enclosure and is active and healthy.
The Miami Zoo noted that this Father's Day holds special significance as it coincides with Goliath's birthday and his unexpected debut as a father, serving as an inspiring example that it's never too late to begin a new chapter in life.
Celebrating New Life at the Zoo
Every birth brings joy, whether among humans or within the animal kingdom. When it happens in a zoo, it also represents hope for species conservation. In 2024, the Miami Zoo announced the birth of a babirusa, a type of wild pig that is endangered. This is the first successful birth of this species in the zoo's history. That same year, a lion cub was born at the Sancti Spíritus Zoo, which faced criticism due to the dire conditions in which animals were kept, with many surviving in dry enclosures due to a lack of water.
FAQs about Galapagos Giant Tortoises and Zoo Conservation Efforts
How old is Goliath, the Galapagos tortoise at Miami Zoo?
Goliath is 134 years old, having been born on June 15, 1885.
What is significant about the birth of Goliath's offspring?
The birth is significant as it is the first successful birth of a Galapagos giant tortoise at the Miami Zoo and marks Goliath's first offspring.
Why is the Miami Zoo seeking Guinness World Records recognition for Goliath?
The zoo is seeking recognition for Goliath as the "oldest first-time father" and potentially for "oldest first-time parents" with Sweet Pea, due to their advanced ages.
What other significant births occurred at the Miami Zoo in 2024?
In 2024, the Miami Zoo celebrated the birth of a babirusa, the first successful birth of this endangered species in the zoo's history.