Photo: Philadelphia Zoo
There’s great news coming from Philadelphia Zoo. The institution has announced the hatching of four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises. Given that prior to their birth, there were only 44 individual tortoises of their kind in all U.S. zoos combined, the arrival of these baby turtles is essentially a lifeline for the survival of this species.
The hatching marks a first for both the zoo and the hatchlings’ mother. Aptly named Mommy, she is thought to be oldest first-time mom of her species, at least in the U.S. Zoo system. The tortoise, who holds the title as the oldest Philadelphia Zoo resident at an estimated 100 years old, arrived at the facility in 1932. “Anyone that has visited the Zoo for the last 92 years has likely seen her,” says Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman.
The birth of the tortoises is a result of the efforts of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which in 2020 suggested that the hatchling’s father, Abrazzo, was sent to the Philadelphia Zoo as a breeding recommendation. Mogerman says that the zoo’s vision is for the hatchlings to become part of a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises a century from today. With time, AZA and the Zoo will determine when and if the hatchlings will move to different zoos, but they’ll remain in Philadelphia for at least the first five years of their lives.
The hatchlings, which weigh between 70-80 grams, are reported to be healthy and eating. The first one hatched in February 27, but there are still other eggs that the team continues to monitor. They could potentially hatch, as they can take up to eight months to do so.
The four baby tortoises that have already arrived are females, which was actually an intentional outcome as a result of the reptile and amphibian team’s work. “The sex of Galapagos tortoise hatchlings is determined by the incubation temperature,” explains the Zoo. “Temperatures below 82.4°F produce males and above 85.1°F produce females.” Of the 16 eggs laid by Mommy, eight were incubated to become females and eight to become males.
As exciting as the birth is for the Philadelphia Zoo, the hope it brings reaches the entire tortoise conservation community. “Until now, Mommy’s genes were not represented in the AZA population, making these offspring extremely important in the protection of this species,” said Lauren Augustine, director of herpetology and birds. Ashley Ortega at Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas adds, “We are excited to learn more about how we can replicate this success at other accredited zoos since the team in Philly has accomplished something that was seemingly impossible.”
If you’d like to see the little tortoises for yourself, they will make their public debut on April 23, which coincides with the 93rd anniversary of Mommy’s arrival at the Philadelphia Zoo. To stay updated with any new developments, including the voting to help the zoo name the tortoises, visit Philadelphia Zoo’s website.
A 100-year-old tortoise, aptly named Mommy, has become a first-time mom with the hatching of four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises at the Philadelphia Zoo.
Photo: Philadelphia Zoo
Since there were only 44 individual tortoises of their kind in all U.S. zoos combined, the arrival of these baby turtles is essentially a lifeline for the survival of this species.
Photo: Philadelphia Zoo
Learn more about the hatchlings in the video below.
Philadelphia Zoo: Website | Instagram
Sources: Four Critically Endangered Galapagos Tortoises Hatch at Philadelphia Zoo, First Successful Hatching of this Species in Zoo’s History
All images via Philadelphia Zoo.
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