Goliath, a 517-pound Galápagos tortoise at Zoo Miami, is no ordinary reptile. On June 15, 2025, the 135-year-old celebrated not only his birthday but also his first Father’s Day. This milestone is remarkable, considering Goliath’s long journey to parenthood, which has involved decades of waiting, mating, and conservation efforts.
But now, Goliath’s first offspring is here, bringing a ray of hope for the future of the endangered Galápagos tortoise species.
A Record-Breaking Dad at 135 Years Old
Goliath's birthday coincides with an even bigger milestone: becoming the oldest tortoise to father a child. At 135, he is now recognized as the "Oldest First-Time Father" in history. This distinction is so significant that Zoo Miami has applied to the Guinness World Records to have Goliath officially recognized for his record-breaking achievement.
It is not every day that a tortoise gets celebrated for his fatherly duties. But Goliath’s story is making waves in the world of conservation.
MSN / Born on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, Goliath was estimated to have hatched between 1885 and 1890.
After making his way to the Bronx Zoo in 1929, he found his permanent home at Zoo Miami in 1981. Over the years, Goliath had been paired with several female tortoises in hopes of producing offspring, but until recently, he had not succeeded in siring any.
However, Goliath’s first child hatched on June 4, 2025, from a clutch of eight eggs laid on January 27. This hatching is particularly significant as it is the first-ever Galápagos tortoise to be born at Zoo Miami.
The newborn tortoise is healthy and thriving, though it is being kept separate from its father and mother, Sweet Pea. In the wild, tortoises typically do not care for their offspring, so this is a standard practice for raising hatchlings safely.
The Mother Behind the Milestone
The mother of Goliath’s offspring is a tortoise named Sweet Pea. Estimated to be between 85 and 100 years old, Sweet Pea has been a part of Zoo Miami’s tortoise population for several years. While Goliath was the first to produce offspring, Sweet Pea had also been paired with other males before meeting Goliath.
Despite their ages, both tortoises have now contributed to the future of their endangered species, showcasing the resilience of Galápagos tortoises even in later years of life.
CGTN / Though Goliath and Sweet Pea will never interact with their offspring, since wild tortoises do not raise their young, the newborn is being closely monitored.
The Galápagos tortoise species has been severely impacted by human activities, such as hunting and habitat destruction. Invasive species and climate change continue to pose threats to their survival.
Goliath is a symbol of ongoing conservation efforts aimed at saving endangered species from extinction. The birth of this hatchling brings much-needed attention to the plight of the Galápagos tortoise.
Zoo Miami has already taken steps to ensure the hatchling’s health and well-being, providing it with a safe and controlled environment.
The hatchling will be raised in isolation, away from its parents, until it reaches a size that would allow it to thrive in the wild or in the zoo’s care.
This successful hatching is a major milestone for Zoo Miami. It marks the first time a Galápagos tortoise has been born at the facility. It highlights the zoo’s long-standing efforts in tortoise conservation and breeding programs.
