The Philadelphia Zoo is shell-ebrating a historic moment—four Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises have hatched for the very first time in the Zoo’s 150+ year history! These critically endangered babies are the newest (and tiniest) addition to the reptile family, thanks to proud parents Mommy and Abrazzo, the Zoo’s two oldest residents—both estimated to be around 100 years old!
Moreover, mommy isn’t just special, she’s legendary—one of the most genetically valuable Galapagos tortoises in the AZA Species Survival Plan and now the oldest first-time mom of her species. 🐢💪
Tiny Tortoises, Huge Milestone!
The hatchings, currently hanging out behind-the-scenes in the Reptile and Amphibian House, are doing great—eating, growing, and weighing in at a petite 70–80 grams (about the size of a chicken egg). The first little one broke out of its shell on February 27, and the animal care team is keeping a close eye on a few more eggs that might hatch in the coming weeks. 🤞
“This is a significant milestone in the history of Philadelphia Zoo, and we couldn’t be more excited to share this news with our city, region, and the world,” said Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman.
“Mommy arrived at the Zoo in 1932, meaning anyone that has visited the Zoo for the last 92 years has likely seen her. Philadelphia Zoo’s vision is that those hatchlings will be a part of a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises on our healthy planet 100 years from now.”
Indeed, these hatchlings aren’t just adorable—they’re important. They’re part of the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, which works to protect and preserve endangered species like the Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise. Listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, these tortoises face serious threats from habitat loss, invasive species, and human-wildlife conflict.
Important to note, the last time a clutch of this species hatched at an AZA-accredited zoo was in 2019 at Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina. Other zoos helping in this crucial effort include San Diego Zoo, Zoo Miami, and Honolulu Zoo.
Meet the hatchlings
“This is a monumental achievement for our animal care team that worked diligently to provide the right conditions for Mommy to lay her eggs and for the eggs to incubate and successfully hatch,” said Philadelphia Zoo Director of Herpetology and Birds Lauren Augustine.
“This successful outcome comes from years of hard work studying animal behavior and providing top-level care. Until now, Mommy’s genes were not represented in the AZA population, making these offspring extremely important in the protection of this species.”
Mark your calendars: these baby torts will make their big public debut on Wednesday, April 23, which also happens to be the 93rd anniversary of Mommy’s arrival at the Zoo.
Indeed, this is a special birthday gift! 🎉 Stay tuned for updates and your chance to help the Zoo name the new arrivals.
So, get ready to fall in love—Philly just got a whole lot cuter (and a little more historic)! 🐢❤️
