Giant Tortoises Welcome Hatchlings at Philadelphia Zoo: A Historic First

In an unprecedented event within its 150-year history, the Philadelphia Zoo celebrated the birth of four hatchlings from its resident giant tortoises, Abrazzo and Mommy. At around 100 years old, the pair's successful breeding represents a vital achievement for the endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise species. The first of the eggs hatched on February 27, with the remaining hatchlings closely following. Individually weighing between 70 and 80 grams, the new tortoises are currently being cared for behind the scenes at the zoo's Reptile and Amphibian House. A public reveal is scheduled for April 23, aligning with Mommy’s 93rd anniversary at the zoo. The hatchlings are part of a conservation breeding program aimed at preserving the species for future generations, with zoo officials expressing hope for their role in a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises in the coming century.

As part of conservation efforts, the Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises are currently classified as critically endangered. Since Mommy's arrival in 1932, she has become a beloved figure at the zoo, and her successful breeding has been met with enthusiasm from the zoo's staff and visitors alike. Abrazzo's arrival in Philadelphia in 2020 from South Carolina's Riverbanks Zoo helps ensure genetic diversity among the breeding population. The zoo's administration has emphasized the importance of these hatchlings in contributing to broader efforts for wildlife conservation, illustrating a hopeful path for endangered species in the face of environmental challenges.