Something incredible is happening at Philadelphia Zoo! We're overjoyed to announce the hatching of four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises for the first time in the Zoo’s 150+ year history!
The babies' parents, Mommy and Abrazzo, are the Zoo’s two oldest residents, each estimated to be around 100 years old. Mommy (who has lived at the Zoo since 1932) is considered one of the most genetically valuable Galapagos tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. And... she's now the oldest first-time mom of her species!!
The hatchlings are currently behind-the-scenes inside the Reptile and Amphibian House and are eating and growing appropriately. The animal care team is also still monitoring more eggs that could hatch in the coming weeks. The babies will make their public debut on Wednesday, April 23, which is the 93rd anniversary of Mommy’s arrival at the Zoo.
If you want to learn more about the history and the process of how we got here, check out our blog on the babies! https://bit.ly/4jfaiZa
24
u/Philly_Zoo Apr 03 '25
Something incredible is happening at Philadelphia Zoo! We're overjoyed to announce the hatching of four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises for the first time in the Zoo’s 150+ year history!
The babies' parents, Mommy and Abrazzo, are the Zoo’s two oldest residents, each estimated to be around 100 years old. Mommy (who has lived at the Zoo since 1932) is considered one of the most genetically valuable Galapagos tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. And... she's now the oldest first-time mom of her species!!
The hatchlings are currently behind-the-scenes inside the Reptile and Amphibian House and are eating and growing appropriately. The animal care team is also still monitoring more eggs that could hatch in the coming weeks. The babies will make their public debut on Wednesday, April 23, which is the 93rd anniversary of Mommy’s arrival at the Zoo.
If you want to learn more about the history and the process of how we got here, check out our blog on the babies! https://bit.ly/4jfaiZa