PREVIEW

There was an incredibly cute celebration on Valentine’s Day at Houston Zoo as the attraction’s beloved radiated tortoises, Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeño, marked their first birthday.
The trio, born to the world-famous 90-year-old first-time father, Mr. Pickles, have not only captured the hearts of visitors but has also become a symbol of hope for the critically endangered radiated tortoise species.
Weighing a mere 20 grams at birth, the Pickles triplets have grown up fast and now tip the scales at approximately 116 grams. Guests are invited to witness the adorable siblings and extend their well wishes as they celebrate their milestone in their newly designated home within the Reptile and Amphibian House.
The journey of these remarkable tortoises began a year ago when the herpetology keeper stumbled upon Mrs. Pickles laying her eggs. Given the unsuitable soil conditions in Houston for the Madagascar native tortoises, the dedicated animal care team intervened, delicately relocating and incubating the eggs for over five months. The meticulous process involved cooling the eggs to 50 degrees to simulate natural conditions before returning them to room temperature and eventually placing them in an 80-degree incubator. The heartening result was the successful hatching on February 14, 2023.
The Pickles family has become a significant presence in the radiated tortoise community, with Mr. Pickles being recognised as one of the most genetically valuable tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The radiated tortoise, renowned for its stunning yellow-lined carapace, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful tortoises.
Hailing from the dry forests of southern Madagascar, radiated tortoises face critical endangerment due to illegal pet trade activities and their limited offspring production. Visitors to the Houston Zoo play a crucial role in wildlife conservation efforts, as a portion of each Zoo membership and admission contributes to the initiative of replanting wildlife habitats in Madagascar. This commitment aids in saving these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.