Significant Milestone for the Philadelphia Zoo

The Philadelphia Zoo has made headlines with the hatching of four critically endangered Galapagos tortoises, a first for the institution in its over 150-year history. This exciting news was announced on Friday, marking an important moment for both the zoo and the broader conservation community.

Meet the New Parents: Mommy and Abrazzo

The new hatchlings are the offspring of a pair of nearly 100-year-old tortoises named Mommy and Abrazzo. Mommy, who has been a resident of the zoo since 1932, is noted for being one of the most genetically valuable Galapagos tortoises within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival plan.

Zoo President and CEO Jo-Elle Mogerman expressed enthusiasm regarding this achievement. “Mommy has been a part of our community for 92 years, and we are thrilled that these new hatchlings will contribute to a sustainable population of this remarkable species,” she stated.

Current Care and Future Debut of the Hatchlings

The hatchlings are currently being kept behind the scenes within the Reptile and Amphibian House, where they are being monitored as they eat and grow. Weighing between 70 and 80 grams—approximately the size of a chicken egg—the first egg hatched on February 27. The zoo staff is keeping a close eye on the remaining eggs, which might also hatch in the coming days.

The zoo anticipates holding a public debut for the hatchlings on April 23 and plans to host a naming contest to engage the community further in this celebration of wildlife conservation.

Context: Conservation of Galapagos Tortoises

This hatching is particularly notable given that the last recorded instance of Galapagos tortoise hatchlings at an AZA-accredited zoo occurred in 2019. Institutions like the San Diego Zoo, Zoo Miami, and Honolulu Zoo are also involved in breeding efforts for these remarkable reptiles.

The Philadelphia Zoo’s advocacy for the conservation of Galapagos tortoises is becoming increasingly critical, as they are classified as a critically endangered species. Breeding programs and careful management play a vital role in ensuring their survival and the health of the species overall.