In a remarkable conservation achievement, the Philadelphia Zoo recently announced the birth of four hatchlings from a pair of critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises, marking a significant milestone in the zoo's storied history spanning over 150 years. The proud parents, affectionately named Mommy and Abrazzo, have garnered attention not only for their remarkable ages—each approximately 100 years old—but also for being the first tortoises of their kind to reproduce at the zoo.

The hatchlings, which were welcomed into the world starting on February 27, are being closely monitored by the zoo’s dedicated animal care team. As they continue to grow, they are currently housed in the Reptile and Amphibian House of Philadelphia Zoo, where they are reported to be eating well and developing as expected. Each hatchling weighs between 70 and 80 grams, showcasing the promising start to their lives.

Mommy, who made her way to the Philadelphia Zoo in 1932, holds the title of the oldest known first-time mother of her species. Her long presence at the zoo means that generations of visitors have potentially encountered her during their trips. Abrazzo, the male tortoise, is a newer addition to the zoo, having relocated from the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina in 2020. The zoo expressed deep excitement for the hatchlings, emphasizing the significance of this event for both the institution and the broader conservation community.

In conjunction with the births, the Philadelphia Zoo has announced plans for a public debut of the hatchlings on April 23, a date of particular significance as it coincides with the 93rd anniversary of Mommy’s arrival at the zoo. This event is expected to draw considerable interest, as the zoo aims to educate the public about the critical status of the Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises, which are currently facing dire threats in the wild, with fewer than 50 individuals estimated to exist in zoos across the United States.

The hatchlings play a vital role in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' breeding program, which is dedicated to promoting the survival and genetic diversity of endangered species. Jo-Elle Mogerman, the president and CEO of Philadelphia Zoo, expressed her enthusiasm for the births, stating, “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.” She further noted, “Our vision is that those hatchlings will be part of a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises on our healthy planet 100 years from now.”