In a heartwarming milestone for conservationists and animal lovers, the Philadelphia Zoo has joyfully announced the birth of four Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises. These critically endangered hatchlings are the first ever born at the zoo. Their arrival marks a historic event for the survival of this rare species, bringing new hope to efforts aimed at rescuing them from extinction. Born to a pair of centenarian tortoises, Mommy and Abrazzo, this achievement reflects decades of dedicated care and conservation expertise.
Mommy, a legend at the zoo, has called the Philadelphia Zoo home since 1932. Though her exact age is uncertain, it’s estimated that she is around 100 years old. Despite laying eggs in previous years, none successfully hatched—until now. With the birth of these four hatchlings, Mommy becomes the oldest recorded first-time mother of her species. Conservationists worldwide are celebrating this emotional and scientifically significant event.
Her counterpart, Abrazzo, joined the zoo in 2020 with the specific goal of participating in a carefully crafted breeding program. At around 100 years old himself, Abrazzo was a perfect genetic match for Mommy.
The successful hatching was no accident. The zoo’s dedicated reptile and amphibian team meticulously monitored every step of the process. One fascinating aspect of Galapagos tortoise reproduction is that the incubation temperature determines the sex of the hatchlings:
- Higher temperatures during incubation produce females
- Lower temperatures result in males
By applying this knowledge, the Philadelphia Zoo team managed the environment to ensure the birth of all-female hatchlings—a strategic move to strengthen the breeding population for future conservation programs.
These four tiny tortoises represent more than just a happy occasion. They symbolize a turning point for a species that is among the most endangered reptiles on the planet. In the wild, the Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise population has dwindled to worrying numbers, and captive breeding programs such as this provide a vital lifeline to their continued existence.
Encouragingly, several more eggs are currently under close observation, sparking hope that additional hatchlings might soon join their four siblings. Each successful birth not only strengthens the species’ future but also reinforces the importance of ongoing conservation work.
Starting April 23, 2025, zoo visitors will have the special opportunity to see these precious baby tortoises in person. They will reside in the Reptile and Amphibian House for the first five years of life, benefiting from expert veterinary care and a carefully controlled environment to ensure healthy growth and development.
After maturing, the hatchlings might be transferred to other accredited facilities to continue contributing to species restoration initiatives. These tiny tortoises will carry with them the remarkable legacy of their parents, Mommy and Abrazzo, and the unyielding commitment of the Philadelphia Zoo staff.
The zoo has also announced plans to involve the public in naming the newborns, adding a personal and celebratory touch to this extraordinary chapter in conservation history. Updates will be shared via the Philadelphia Zoo’s official Facebook page, providing ongoing insight into the hatchlings’ milestones and future plans.
This beautiful success story is not only a victory for one species but also serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, science, and determination. For the Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise, a brand new chapter has begun—all thanks to the resilience of a 100-year-old first-time mother named Mommy.
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