Philadelphia Zoo Celebrates Successful Hatching of 4 Critically Endangered Galapagos Tortoises
The Philadelphia Zoo has announced the successful hatching of four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises. This event marks the first time in the zoo’s more than 150-year history…
Gopher Tortoise – front view
The Philadelphia Zoo has announced the successful hatching of four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises. This event marks the first time in the zoo's more than 150-year history that this hatching has occurred.
According to a news release from the Philadelphia Zoo, the hatchlings' parents are two of the zoo's oldest residents — a female, Mommy, and a male, Abrazzo, who are each estimated to be approximately 100 years old.
New Galapagos Tortoises
The hatchlings are currently living in the Reptile and Amphibian House, where they weigh between 70 and 80 grams — approximately the weight of a chicken egg. The first tortoise hatched on Feb. 27, and the animal care team continues to monitor the eggs that may hatch in the coming weeks. The hatchlings will make their public debut on Wednesday, April 23, the 93rd anniversary of Mommy's arrival at the zoo.
The babies are the product of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding program, which ensures the species' survival and helps maintain a genetically diverse population.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises on its critically endangered list due to threats from human-wildlife contact, natural habitat loss, and invasive species. According to the Philadelphia Zoo, the last clutch of Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises to hatch in an AZA-accredited zoo facility was in 2019 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina.
“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,” said Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman in the media release. “Mommy arrived at the zoo in 1932, meaning anyone that has visited the zoo for the last 92 years has likely seen her. Philadelphia Zoo's vision is that those hatchlings will be a part of a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises on our healthy planet 100 years from now.”
The zoo reported that guests will be able to visit the hatchlings inside the Reptile and Amphibian House beginning April 23. The hatchlings will remain at the zoo for at least five years.
