In a remarkable event, Philadelphia Zoo has welcomed the birth of four hatchlings from a pair of critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises, making history as the first such births in over 150 years. The proud parents, Abrazzo and Mommy, both approximately 100 years old, are significant to the zoo's initiative to support species survival.
Giant Tortoises Make History as First-Time Parents at Philadelphia Zoo
Giant Tortoises Make History as First-Time Parents at Philadelphia Zoo
A pair of century-old tortoises hatch four babies, marking a rare achievement in zoo history.
Mommy, who has been a resident of the zoo since 1932, holds the record as the oldest first-time mother of her species. The first of the hatchlings emerged on February 27, with some expected to hatch soon, all being carefully observed by the zoo’s animal care team. Weighing between 70 and 80 grams, the hatchlings are currently sheltered in the zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House until their public debut on April 23, coinciding with Mommy's anniversary of arrival.
The hatching represents a crucial step in conservation efforts, as Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises are declining in the wild with fewer than 50 existing in U.S. zoos. The births are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' breeding program, promoting genetic diversity and long-term population health. Jo-Elle Mogerman, the zoo's president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about sharing this milestone with the community and emphasized the zoo's aim for the hatchlings to contribute to a thriving tortoise population a century from now.
As the zoo looks forward to the hatchlings' growth and future, this historic event reinforces the ongoing commitment to preserving endangered species and educating the public about the importance of conservation.
The hatching represents a crucial step in conservation efforts, as Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises are declining in the wild with fewer than 50 existing in U.S. zoos. The births are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' breeding program, promoting genetic diversity and long-term population health. Jo-Elle Mogerman, the zoo's president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about sharing this milestone with the community and emphasized the zoo's aim for the hatchlings to contribute to a thriving tortoise population a century from now.
As the zoo looks forward to the hatchlings' growth and future, this historic event reinforces the ongoing commitment to preserving endangered species and educating the public about the importance of conservation.
