In an extraordinary event for wildlife conservation, two critically endangered tortoises at Philadelphia Zoo have hatched four offspring, marking a historic milestone for both the institution and the species.
Historic Hatch: First-Time Parents Among 100-Year-Old Tortoises at Philadelphia Zoo
Historic Hatch: First-Time Parents Among 100-Year-Old Tortoises at Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo celebrates a groundbreaking moment as two Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises, each around a century old, welcome four hatchlings.
A pair of critically endangered giant tortoises, named Abrazzo and Mommy, have become first-time parents at Philadelphia Zoo, much to the delight of staff and conservationists alike. The zoo announced the remarkable news this week, explaining that the four hatchlings were born from this duo of Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises, each approximately 100 years old. According to Philadelphia Zoo, this achievement marks a historic first in its 150-plus-year history, with Mommy having initially arrived at the zoo in 1932, making her the oldest known first-time mother of her species.
The Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise population is alarmingly low, with fewer than 50 individuals residing in U.S. zoos. The eggs of Abrazzo and Mommy began to hatch in late February, with the zoo's animal care team actively monitoring additional eggs that remain incubating. Each of the four hatchlings weighs between 70 and 80 grams and is currently being cared for behind-the-scenes at the Reptile and Amphibian House within the zoo. Plans are underway for a public debut of the little tortoises on April 23, coinciding with the 93rd anniversary of Mommy's arrival at Philadelphia Zoo.
The successful births align with the zoo's partnership in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ breeding program, which aims to ensure genetic diversity and long-term survival for endangered species. Jo-Elle Mogerman, the zoo’s president and CEO, expressed the significance of the event, stating, “This is a significant milestone in the history of Philadelphia Zoo, and we couldn't be more excited to share this news with our city, region, and the world.” She further emphasized the hope that these hatchlings will contribute to a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises a century from now. Abrazzo joined the Philadelphia Zoo family in 2020 from South Carolina's Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
