A historic milestone has been achieved at the Philadelphia Zoo with the birth of four Galapagos tortoises, marking the first time in the zoo’s 150-year history that such an event has occurred. The hatchlings are the offspring of Mommy and Abrazzo, two nearly 100-year-old tortoises. Mommy arrived at the zoo in 1932 and is considered one of the most genetically valuable tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival plan. The hatchlings, which weigh between 70 and 80 grams, are currently being kept behind the scenes in the zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House. The first egg hatched on February 27, and the zoo’s animal care team continues to monitor additional eggs. The zoo has announced that the public will be able to see the hatchlings starting on April 23, along with a naming contest.

This achievement is seen as a significant step in the conservation efforts for the endangered Galapagos tortoise species. Experts emphasize the importance of breeding programs in maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring the species’ survival. In particular, the survival of the Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise, the species to which Mommy belongs, is crucial. The last hatching of such tortoises at an accredited zoo took place in 2019 at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. While the Philadelphia Zoo’s milestone is a triumph, there are still challenges related to habitat preservation and the continued success of breeding programs. The zoo’s success demonstrates the potential for scientific collaboration and conservation efforts to have a positive impact on vulnerable species.