Fact Check: Goliath was born on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos between 1885 and 1890.

Fact Check: "Goliath was born on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos between 1885 and 1890."

What We Know

Goliath, a Galapagos tortoise residing at Zoo Miami, is reported to have hatched on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos on June 15, 1890, according to official records (CBS News, Phys.org). Some sources indicate that the exact year of his birth falls between 1885 and 1890, which aligns with the general timeline of his hatching (India Today, Wiltshire & Gloucestershire Standard).

Goliath's journey from the Galapagos to the Bronx Zoo in 1929 and subsequently to Zoo Miami in 1981 is well-documented, providing a clear lineage of his history (CBS News).

Analysis

The claim that Goliath was born on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos between 1885 and 1890 is supported by multiple credible sources. Official records confirm his hatching date as June 15, 1890, while some reports provide a broader range of 1885 to 1890, which is consistent with the uncertainty often associated with historical records of animal births in captivity (Phys.org, India Today).

The sources used in this fact-check are reputable, including major news outlets and scientific publications. They have undergone editorial processes to ensure accuracy, which adds to their reliability. For instance, CBS News and Phys.org are known for their rigorous fact-checking standards (CBS News, Phys.org).

While the claim is supported by these sources, it is important to note that the exact year of birth is not definitively established as 1890, but rather falls within the stated range. This slight ambiguity does not undermine the overall validity of the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Goliath was born on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos between 1885 and 1890 is substantiated by credible sources. The official records indicate his hatching date as June 15, 1890, while the broader range reflects the common uncertainties in historical animal records. Thus, the claim is accurate.

Sources

1. Giant 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise Goliath celebrates ...
2. Galapagos tortoise celebrates his 135th birthday and ...
3. US zoo 135 year old tortoise celebrates birthday and first ...
4. Galapagos tortoise celebrates 135th birthday and first ...
5. Galápagos Islands: The Giant Tortoises of Santa Cruz
6. Galapagos tortoise becomes a dad at 134. It may ... - Axios
7. Galapagos tortoise celebrates his 135th birthday and ...