The Philadelphia Zoo introduced 16 critically endangered western Santa Cruz tortoise hatchlings on Wednesday, marking a historic first for a pair of its century-old residents. Born to “Mommy” and “Abrazzo,” the hatchlings represent a major step in preserving the species, which can live up to 200 years.
Historic Births at the Zoo
Sixteen hatchlings made their public debut as animal care specialists proudly displayed them near the zoo’s tortoise habitat. Staff reported the young tortoises are healthy, eating well, and steadily growing. The hatchlings were born earlier this year in a series of clutches, marking the first successful offspring for “Mommy,” a longtime resident.
Parents Over 100 Years Old
The parents, Mommy and Abrazzo, are both estimated to be about 100 years old, making them the zoo’s oldest inhabitants. Mommy arrived in Philadelphia in 1932 but never produced offspring until Abrazzo was introduced five years ago from Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina. “Now this animal, who’s been in Philadelphia since 1932, will be represented here for, hopefully, another 100 years,” said Lauren Augustine, the zoo’s director of herpetology.
Naming the Hatchlings
Several hatchlings already have names, including Zee, James, Colette, Soledad, Isabelle, Roger, Fausto, Caldero, Lee, Marigold Puddlefoot, and Kelpy. Four females born in the spring were named after characters from the TV show Golden Girls. The zoo is also inviting donors to suggest names for one male hatchling, subject to approval. To help staff tell them apart, the tortoises are marked with different colors of nontoxic nail polish.
Conservation Importance
Western Santa Cruz tortoises are one of 13 living species native to the Galapagos Islands. Considered the largest tortoise species, they are known to live up to two centuries. Mommy and Abrazzo are viewed as highly valuable genetically, and their offspring are considered a significant win for conservation. The hatchlings will remain at the zoo for about a year before being relocated to other facilities next fall.
Other Giant Tortoises
The Philadelphia Zoo also houses two Aldabra tortoises named Wilma and Betty. Beyond Philadelphia, another landmark birth took place earlier this summer at Zoo Miami, where a 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise named Goliath became a father for the first time.