OAKLAND, CA — If you’ve ever walked past the tortoise habitat at the Oakland Zoo and thought those giant, leathery “rocks” looked like they’ve seen a thing or two, you’re more right than you know.
While the zoo’s elephants and lions often steal the spotlight, the true masters of history are the Aldabra giant tortoises.
Among them are residents who have lived through two world wars, both major Bay Area earthquakes, the invention of the airplane, and the rise of the internet—all while maintaining a steady diet of hibiscus flowers and leafy greens.
The Century Club: Meet OJ and Ralph
The stars of the Oakland Zoo’s reptile collection are undoubtedly the Aldabra tortoises. These giants, native to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, are among the longest-living land animals on the planet.
So, just how old are the zoo’s tortoises?
- OJ (Officer Jones): Estimated to be over 125 years old, OJ is likely the oldest living resident at the zoo. He arrived in the 1960s from the San Francisco Zoo and was already considered an adult then. Born in the late 1890s, OJ has outlived every human born in the same decade.
- Ralph: Another fan favorite, Ralph is a centenarian known for his surprising personality. Despite his age and 600-pound frame, zookeepers note that Ralph is surprisingly active, famously known for “playing” with a heavy-duty soccer ball as part of his enrichment.
A New Generation of “Teenage” Rescues
The zoo’s tortoise family recently grew in a way that highlights the darker side of the exotic pet trade. In 2022, the Oakland Zoo welcomed two “teenage” male Aldabra tortoises who were rescued from a neglected roadside attraction in Oklahoma.
While they are currently smaller than OJ and Ralph, these youngsters are expected to grow to over 500 pounds and could potentially still be wandering the Oakland hills in the year 2150.
The Oakland Zoo isn’t just a retirement home for these ancient giants; it’s a hub for saving local species too. The zoo’s Western Pond Turtle Head-Start Program raises native California turtles until they are large enough to avoid being eaten by invasive bullfrogs, at which point they are released back into the wild.
