Three more critically endangered Galapagos tortoises hatch at Philadelphia Zoo

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — The Philadelphia Zoo continues to make history: three more critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises have hatched at the Zoo.

These tortoises are from the same clutch of eggs as last month’s arrival of four hatchlings.

The hatchlings’ parents, Mommy and Abrazzo, are the zoo’s two oldest residents. Both are estimated to be around 100 years old. According to the Philadelphia Zoo, Mommy is the oldest first-time mother of her species.

The first male egg began hatching on April 14, with the other two hatching in the following weeks. The hatchlings do not have names yet.

“It is a joy to be able to share this next chapter with all those in our region, country and around the world that have been captivated by this story,” said President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “Mommy, Abrazzo, and the hatchlings are educating millions of people about their species and conservation. Those folks have become a part of this story. We encourage them to get involved by visiting the babies or by supporting their care however they can.”

There are additional eggs from Mommy that the Philadelphia Zoo is monitoring. Out of the 16 laid, nine show signs of development inside the incubators. Eggs hatch after four to eight months.

“It is such a delight to have the final eggs of Mommy’s first viable clutch hatch,” said Vice President of Animal Well-Being Rachel Metz. “This success has been a years-long process from bringing Abrazzo to the Zoo in 2020, to fundraising for nesting materials in 2021 and introducing Mommy and Abrazzo in 2022. Our sincerest gratitude for this success goes to the passionate and diligent work by experts in the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) community and the entire Philadelphia Zoo team, including the countless keepers that kept Mommy healthy and thriving over the last 93 years.”

Galapagos tortoises come from the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador. As the largest living species of tortoise, males can grow to be 500 pounds while females average around 250 pounds. They are estimated to live between 100-200 years old.