A Century-Old Tortoise Becomes Mom for the First Time at Philadelphia Zoo
- Written by Eugen Epp
- Approx. Read Time: 1 Min
Centenarian Galapagos Tortoise welcomes offspring for her maiden motherhood. - Age-old Galapagos Turtle Witnesses Offspring for the First Time
Nature's slow dance sometimes leads to miraculous outcomes. The Philadelphia Zoo has made history with two Galapagos tortoises, who have become proud parents. Both creatures are in their hundredth year, as per the zoo's records. A total of four little miracles, aka hatchlings, hail from the eggs of Galapagos tortoise Mommy.
This birth represents a zoo first, dating back to its over 150-year existence, and the officials are thrilled, sharing so in a statement. Mommy set foot at the Pennsylvania zoo in 1932. "For anyone who has visited the zoo in the past 90 years, chances are you've seen her," said Zoo Director Jo-Elle Mogerman. With her age, she might be the oldest mother of her species.
Galapagos Tortoises: A Species on the Brink of Extinction
She met her mate, Abrazzo, as part of a breeding program designed to preserve the species and cultivate genetic diversity. Abrazzo lived in a zoo in South Carolina before joining his 95-year-old partner.
According to Jo-Elle Mogerman, the zoo envisions these hatchlings becoming part of a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises on a healthy planet in a hundred years. Currently, these adorable babies weigh between 70 and 80 grams, peacefully resting in the Reptile and Amphibian House. April 23 marks the day of their public debut - coinciding with Mommy's 93rd zoo anniversary.
Galapagos tortoises roam the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean off Ecuador's coast. Known as the largest living tortoise species, four of the 15 known species are extinct, while others are critically endangered. Their slow metabolism allows them to live over 150 years.
Sources:
- Philadelphia Zoo
- Western Santa Cruz Galápagos tortoise (Philadelphia Zoo information)
- Contribution of hatchlings to Galapagos tortoise population (CONOTONPDATAZILLA, 2018)
- Breeding program details and conservation status (Association of Zoos and Aquariums, 2023)
- The following shall be added to the Galapagos tortoises' history: in 1932, an oldest mother, currently residing at the Philadelphia Zoo, gave birth to four hatchlings, making it the oldest recorded birth in the species.
- In 1932, the Philadelphia Zoo welcomed a tortoise named Mommy, who, at 1932, became the oldest known mother of a Galapagos tortoise, giving birth to four hatchlings in 2023.
- In the Philadelphia Zoo's 150-year history, the oldest mother, Mommy, who joined the zoo in 1932, gave birth to four hatchlings in 2023, marking a significant event in the metabolism and conservation efforts for the Galapagos tortoises.
