Fact Check: Goliath, a 517-pound (234-kilogram) Galapagos tortoise at Zoo Miami, became a father for the first time on June 4, 2025.

Fact Check: "Goliath, a 517-pound (234-kilogram) Galapagos tortoise at Zoo Miami, became a father for the first time on June 4, 2025."

What We Know

Goliath, a Galapagos tortoise weighing 517 pounds (234 kilograms), is the oldest resident at Zoo Miami, celebrating his 135th birthday and his first Father's Day in June 2025. According to zoo officials, Goliath became a father for the first time when one of the eight eggs laid by the female tortoise, Sweet Pea, successfully hatched on June 4, 2025, after a 128-day incubation period (ABC News, CBS News). This event marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a Galapagos tortoise has hatched at Zoo Miami (Media News).

Goliath's history is notable; he was born on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos between 1885 and 1890 and has lived in various zoos since then, including the Bronx Zoo before moving to Zoo Miami in 1981. Despite multiple breeding attempts, he had not sired any offspring until this recent event (ABC News, CBS News).

Analysis

The claim that Goliath became a father for the first time on June 4, 2025, is supported by multiple reputable sources. The information comes directly from Zoo Miami officials, who confirmed the hatching of the tortoise's first offspring. The reports consistently highlight Goliath's age, weight, and the significance of this event in the context of his long life and the conservation status of Galapagos tortoises (ABC News, CBS News, Axios).

The sources used in this fact-check are credible, as they include established news organizations and the official Zoo Miami website. The consistency across these reports strengthens the reliability of the information. For instance, both ABC News and CBS News provide detailed accounts of the event, including quotes from zoo officials, which adds a layer of authenticity to the claims (ABC News, CBS News).

Additionally, the historical context regarding Goliath's age and breeding history adds depth to the claim, emphasizing the rarity of the event. The acknowledgment of Goliath potentially being the oldest first-time father in recorded animal history further underscores the significance of this claim (Axios).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Goliath, a 517-pound Galapagos tortoise at Zoo Miami, became a father for the first time on June 4, 2025, is accurate. This information is corroborated by multiple reliable sources, including zoo officials and established news outlets, making the claim credible and well-supported.

Sources

1. Galapagos tortoise celebrates 135th birthday and first Father's Day at Zoo Miami
2. Zoo Miami Media News
3. Giant 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise Goliath celebrates Father's Day
4. Galapagos tortoise becomes a dad at 134. It may be a record.
5. Galapagos tortoise celebrates his 135th birthday and first Father's Day
6. Galapagos tortoise celebrates his 135th birthday and first Father's Day at Zoo Miami
7. ABC News - X