Century-old turtle parents give birth to hatchlings, emergence witnessed at the Philadelphia Zoo
Philadelphia Zoo Welcomes 16 Rare Giant Tortoises
The Philadelphia Zoo is currently home to two giant Aldabra tortoises, Wilma and Betty, and recently welcomed 16 baby western Santa Cruz tortoises. The new arrivals are said to be thriving, eating well, and growing at a steady pace.
The western Santa Cruz tortoise is the largest species of tortoise and is thought to live as long as 200 years. These tortoises are native to seven islands in the Galapagos chain in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. The 16 hatchlings were born to a couple estimated to be around 100 years old, named Mommy and Abrazzo.
The survival of the western Santa Cruz tortoises is considered important, and the offspring of Mommy and Abrazzo are seen as a win in the effort to preserve the species. In fact, the birth of these tortoises marks the first time Mommy has been a mother.
To distinguish the hatchlings from each other, the zoo uses nontoxic nail polish in different colours. Four of the tortoises were named after characters from the TV show "Golden Girls". The names of the other hatchlings are Zee, James, Colette, Soledad, Isabelle, Roger, Fausto, Caldero, Lee, Marigold Puddlefoot, and Kelpy.
The tortoises are currently being cared for by animal care specialists at the Philadelphia Zoo. They will remain at the zoo for at least a year before being placed in different facilities next fall. The zoo is also soliciting donors to suggest names for one of the hatchlings, a male, subject to zoo approval.
Meanwhile, a 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise named Goliath became a father for the first time at Zoo Miami in June, adding to the conservation efforts for these remarkable creatures.
The Philadelphia Zoo is proud to play a role in the preservation of the western Santa Cruz tortoises and looks forward to watching these new arrivals grow and thrive.
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