Historic Hatchlings at the Philadelphia Zoo
The Philadelphia Zoo recently announced a significant milestone in its history—the hatching of four critically endangered Galapagos tortoise hatchlings. These adorable newcomers are the offspring of the zoo’s oldest residents, a pair of nearly 100-year-old tortoises named Mommy and Abrazzo.
Celebrating a Unique Occurrence
In a statement released on Friday, the zoo expressed its excitement over this remarkable event, stating, “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,” according to President and CEO Jo-Elle Mogerman.
The New Family Members
Mommy, who has been a cherished resident since 1932, is notable not only for her age but also for her genetic value, making her an important part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) species survival plan. The tortoise hatchlings, which weigh between 70 to 80 grams—similar to that of a chicken egg—are currently being cared for behind the scenes in the Reptile and Amphibian House. The first of the eggs hatched on February 27, with more eggs still under observation by the zoo’s animal care team.
A Public Debut and Future Aspirations
The zoo plans to formally introduce the hatchlings to the public on April 23, which will also coincide with a naming contest for the new arrivals. Mogerman envisions a future where these hatchlings contribute to a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises on a healthy planet a century from now.
Significance of the Hatching
Mommy is particularly recognized as the oldest first-time mother of the Western Santa Cruz Galapagos species. Notably, the last successful hatching of Galapagos tortoises at an AZA-accredited zoo occurred in 2019 at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. Other zoos, including the San Diego Zoo and Zoo Miami, also maintain breeding pairs of these fascinating creatures.
This event not only highlights the importance of conservation efforts for species like the Galapagos tortoise but also showcases the Philadelphia Zoo’s dedication to preserving biodiversity and educating the public about endangered species.