The Philadelphia Zoo has achieved a historic milestone with the birth of four Galapagos tortoises, marking the first time in its 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 has been part of the zoo since 1932 and is regarded as one of the most genetically valuable tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival plan. Weighing between 70 and 80 grams, the hatchlings are being kept behind the scenes in the zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House. The first egg hatched on February 27, and additional eggs are still being monitored. The public will be able to see the tortoises starting April 23, along with a naming contest.

This event is an important achievement for the conservation of the endangered Galapagos tortoise species. Experts emphasize that breeding programs are essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring species survival. The Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise, which Mommy belongs to, plays a crucial role in these efforts. The last similar hatching in an accredited zoo took place in 2019 at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. While this milestone demonstrates success, challenges remain in habitat preservation and the continued effectiveness of breeding programs. The Philadelphia Zoo’s accomplishment highlights the value of scientific collaboration and conservation in protecting vulnerable species.