A remarkable achievement has transpired at the Philadelphia Zoo, where two critically endangered giant tortoises, Abrazzo and Mommy, have become first-time parents after nearly a century of life. The zoo announced this groundbreaking milestone with the hatching of four Galapagos tortoise hatchlings, marking a significant development in its 150-year history.
Giant Tortoises at Philadelphia Zoo Celebrate Historic Hatchlings
Giant Tortoises at Philadelphia Zoo Celebrate Historic Hatchlings
Philadelphia Zoo welcomes its first-ever giant tortoise hatchlings from a pair of century-old parents.
The first egg hatched on February 27, with additional hatchlings emerging shortly thereafter. Weighing between 70 and 80 grams, these tortoise hatchlings are currently being cared for in the zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House, where staff are closely monitoring their growth and health. The zoo is excited to announce a planned public introduction of the hatchlings on April 23, coinciding with the anniversary of Mommy’s arrival at the zoo in 1932; she is also recognized as the oldest known first-time mother of her species.
The Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise, now critically endangered in the wild, has fewer than 50 specimens residing in U.S. zoos. This conservation effort aligns with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' breeding program, aimed at enhancing the species' survival and genetic diversity for the future.
Zoo President and CEO Jo-Elle Mogerman expressed her enthusiasm over this achievement: "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.” Visitors to the zoo over the last 92 years have likely encountered Mommy, who has become a cherished member of the community.
Abrazzo, the male tortoise, arrived at the zoo in 2020 after a move from the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina. Mogerman added that the goal for these new hatchlings is to contribute to a robust population of Galapagos tortoises that thrive on our planet a century from now.
The Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise, now critically endangered in the wild, has fewer than 50 specimens residing in U.S. zoos. This conservation effort aligns with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' breeding program, aimed at enhancing the species' survival and genetic diversity for the future.
Zoo President and CEO Jo-Elle Mogerman expressed her enthusiasm over this achievement: "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.” Visitors to the zoo over the last 92 years have likely encountered Mommy, who has become a cherished member of the community.
Abrazzo, the male tortoise, arrived at the zoo in 2020 after a move from the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina. Mogerman added that the goal for these new hatchlings is to contribute to a robust population of Galapagos tortoises that thrive on our planet a century from now.
