In a heartwarming turn of events, a pair of critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises, aged approximately 100 years, has celebrated parenthood for the first time at the Philadelphia Zoo. The zoo proudly announced the hatchings from tortoises Abrazzo and Mommy, with this being a remarkable "first" in its 150-year existence. Mommy, who has been at the zoo since 1932, is notably the oldest known tortoise of her kind to give birth.
First-time Parents: A Century-old Tortoise Duo Welcomes Hatchlings at Philadelphia Zoo
First-time Parents: A Century-old Tortoise Duo Welcomes Hatchlings at Philadelphia Zoo
The historic arrival of four giant tortoise hatchlings marks a milestone in conservation efforts at the Philadelphia Zoo.
The species, comprising fewer than 50 in U.S. zoos, is critically endangered in their natural habitat. The first hatchling emerged on February 27, with subsequent eggs hatching soon after, under close monitoring by the zoo's animal care team. Each of the new arrivals weighs between 70 and 80 grams and is being cared for in the Reptile and Amphibian House, with plans for a public unveiling set for April 23, coinciding with Mommy’s 93rd anniversary at the zoo.
The hatchlings are part of a collective breeding initiative through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, promoting biodiversity and species survival. "This is a significant milestone in the history of Philadelphia Zoo," said Jo-Elle Mogerman, the zoo's president and CEO. She emphasized the hope that these hatchlings will contribute to a flourishing population of Galapagos tortoises on a healthy planet for the next century.
As the spotlight shines on these tortoise hatchlings, they symbolize not only a victory in conservation but also a reminder of the extensive longevity of these remarkable creatures while inspiring commitment to environmental protection efforts.
First giant Galapagos tortoises born in UK zoo
Baby tortoises wrapped in plastic found in suitcase
Tortoises
Philadelphia
United States
The hatchlings are part of a collective breeding initiative through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, promoting biodiversity and species survival. "This is a significant milestone in the history of Philadelphia Zoo," said Jo-Elle Mogerman, the zoo's president and CEO. She emphasized the hope that these hatchlings will contribute to a flourishing population of Galapagos tortoises on a healthy planet for the next century.
As the spotlight shines on these tortoise hatchlings, they symbolize not only a victory in conservation but also a reminder of the extensive longevity of these remarkable creatures while inspiring commitment to environmental protection efforts.
First giant Galapagos tortoises born in UK zoo
Baby tortoises wrapped in plastic found in suitcase
Tortoises
Philadelphia
United States
