First-time parents Galapagos tortoises welcome hatchlings at nearly 100 years old

In Philadelphia, USA, a significant event took place at the Philadelphia Zoo where a pair of critically endangered Galapagos tortoises became first-time parents. This remarkable milestone was announced on a Friday, celebrating the hatching of four baby tortoises, a notable achievement in the zoo's long history of over 150 years. The parents, known as Mommy and Abrazzo, are nearly 100 years old and represent the oldest residents of the zoo. The hatching of these tortoises marks a first for the zoo, creating excitement and hope for the future of their species. Mommy, who has been at the zoo since 1932, is particularly valued as she is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival plan. Her genetic background makes her one of the most important tortoises in terms of conservation efforts. The hatchlings, who weigh between 70 and 80 grams—similar to a chicken egg—are currently being monitored in the Reptile and Amphibian House, ensuring their well-being and growth. The zoo's animal care team reported that the first egg successfully hatched on February 27, and they are currently keeping an eye on additional eggs that have the potential to hatch in the near future. The effort to breed these tortoises not only underscores the zoo's commitment to wildlife conservation but also symbolizes the broader mission of protecting endangered species. The zoo plans to publicly debut the hatchlings on April 23, along with a naming contest, further engaging the community in this momentous occasion. This event reflects a history of breeding challenges with the Western Santa Cruz Galapagos species, as the last similar occurrence of hatching in an accredited zoo was in 2019 at the Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina. Other zoos, such as the San Diego Zoo, Zoo Miami, and Honolulu Zoo, also maintain breeding pairs of these endangered tortoises. The successful hatching at Philadelphia Zoo stands as a testament to the dedication of wildlife conservationists and the potential for these hatchlings to contribute to a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises for generations to come.