Philadelphia Zoo Makes History as Nearly 100-Year-Old Endangered Galápagos Tortoises Become First-Time Parents

Philadelphia Zoo Makes History as Nearly 100-Year-Old Endangered Galápagos Tortoises Become First-Time Parents 

by Caroline Welch

It took nearly a century, but the Philadelphia Zoo has just welcomed four new additions, after decades of challenges in breeding and finding a compatible mate for their resident tortoise, Mommy. 

 

Long-time zoo resident 97-year-old Mommy and her 96-year-old mate, Abrazzo (uh-BRAHTS-oh), are now officially parents.  

 

Four rare Galápagos tortoises have hatched at the Philadelphia Zoo, marking the first successful breeding of the endangered species in the zoo’s history. 

 

The baby tortoises, each weighing between 70 to 90 grams, begin hatching in late February. NBC News reports that the eggs were laid in November and incubated under controlled temperatures to help determine the hatchlings’ sex. 

 

The tortoises belong to the endangered Western Santa Cruz species. ABC News reports that there are less than 50 of them known to exist in the U.S. 

 

The hatchlings are being cared for inside the zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House. NBC News  says that zoo officials are monitoring the remaining eggs closely in case more hatchlings decide to join the family. 

Mommy arrived at the zoo in 1932. According to ABC News, she makes history by being the oldest first-time mother of her species. Mommy’s mate, Abrazzo, (uh-BRAHTS-oh), joined her in 2020 for the sole purpose of breeding. 

 

CNN reports that the zoo will debut the hatchlings to the public April 23. And yes, there will be a public naming contest on the way soon, so the zoo will need your creative minds to help in selecting the perfect names.