When people gathered at Zoo Miami to celebrate the 135th birthday of a Galápagos tortoise named Abu, they weren’t just honoring his age. They were celebrating something even more special—Abu recently became a dad for the first time. After more than a century of slow-and-steady living, Abu’s legacy is just beginning.
A Century and Then Some
Abu was brought to Zoo Miami in 1961, already an adult. While his exact hatching date isn’t known, zookeepers estimate he was born in 1889, making him one of the oldest living animals in captivity. Through wars, moon landings, and the rise of the internet, Abu has remained calm, quiet, and very much alive.
Becoming a Father at 135
Though Abu has shared his habitat with female Galápagos tortoises for decades, he never showed interest in mating—until now. Earlier this year, zoo officials confirmed that Abu had successfully fathered three hatchlings, marking his first-ever Father’s Day as a dad. It’s an incredible milestone for a tortoise who’s seen over a century of birthdays.
A Gentle Giant With a Big Personality
Despite his towering shell and ancient age, Abu is a favorite among staff and visitors. He’s known for his slow, deliberate movements, curious nature, and calm demeanor. Staff describe him as gentle and even social, often moving toward familiar keepers and basking in the sun while visitors admire him.
A Species Worth Celebrating
Galápagos tortoises are among the longest-living vertebrates on Earth and are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and invasive species. Zoo Miami’s successful breeding program is part of a broader conservation effort to protect and preserve this remarkable species. Abu’s contribution to the gene pool is both rare and critical.
Living History in a Shell
Walking past Abu is like stepping into a living history book. He was born before cars were common and has outlived generations of humans. While his age alone is impressive, his newfound role as a father adds a fresh chapter to his story—one that shows it’s never too late to leave a legacy.
Forever a Father and a Legend
Abu may move slowly, but his impact is monumental. Now both the oldest and newest dad at the zoo, he’s become a symbol of resilience and hope. As he enjoys his days under the Florida sun, surrounded by keepers who adore him and fans who visit him, Abu is proving that even at 135, life can surprise you—with birthdays, babies, and all.
adventuring, photography and videography. I am currently working towards a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology at Stellenbosch University to go on to specialise in Marine Sciences one day.
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