PREVIEW

Philadelphia Zoo Centenarian Galapagos tortoises have become parents again after the birth of nine new hatchlings.

The new arrivals are part of the second successful clutch of Western Santa Cruz Galápagos tortoises born in the zoo’s 150-year history, joining seven babies born earlier this year.

The hatchlings, six males and three females, are the offspring of two of the zoo’s oldest residents, known as Mommy and Abrazzo, who are thought to be around 100 years old.

Mommy is the oldest first-time mother of her species.

The tortoises are being cared for both in the zoo’s Reptile & Amphibian House and in outdoor habitats nearby, with some kept behind the scenes.

The births form part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which aims to protect vulnerable animals and maintain genetic diversity.

Western Santa Cruz Galápagos tortoises are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Threats to the species include invasive species, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. There are now 60 of these tortoises in the managed AZA population.

“The story of Mommy, Abrazzo and their now 16 babies, has captured the imaginations of people around the world,” said Dr Jo-Elle Mogerman, the zoo’s president and chief executive.

“It’s made us all think about what legacy means when it comes to conservation and protecting what is precious. It’s Philadelphia Zoo’s mission to make sure these hatchlings are living on a healthy planet 100+ years from now, when they might be having offspring of their own.”

Rachel Metz, vice president of animal well-being and conservation, added: “What motivates us each and every day is sharing the joy of animals and creating meaningful connections between them and our guests.

“Galápagos tortoises, and many, many other critically endangered reptile and amphibian species, are in serious need of our help and attention. I hope these hatchlings inspire a new generation of herpetologists to work in zoos and continue the important work we are doing.”

Abrazzo was brought to Philadelphia Zoo in October 2020 from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina, following a breeding recommendation. In 2021, donations from the zoo community funded new nesting material for Mommy.

Since then, she has laid five clutches of eggs, with three initially proving non-viable. Her first successful clutch, in November 2024, produced seven hatchlings earlier this year, including four females named after the Golden Girls.

The sex of Galápagos tortoises is determined by incubation temperature: males develop below 28°C, while females are produced at temperatures above 29.5°C. Eggs hatch after four to eight months, with those producing females typically emerging first.

Lauren Augustine, director of herpetology, added: “In less than a year, our animal care team has done what was considered nearly impossible twice. We are so grateful for the hard work and dedication they’ve taken in every step of this process: from Abrazzo’s arrival in 2020, introducing him to Mommy in 2022, to digging up and incubating two viable clutches of eggs and now caring for 16 hatchlings.”