Mommy, the female tortoise, is considered one of the most genetically valuable Galapagos tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival plan.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Nearly 100-Year-Old Galapagos Tortoises Become First-Time Parents at Philadelphia Zoo
In a historic first for the Philadelphia Zoo, two critically endangered Galapagos tortoises, both nearing 100 years old, have successfully become parents — marking a major milestone for the zoo and global conservation efforts.
The zoo announced with joy the hatching of four baby tortoises, the offspring of Mommy and Abrazzo, the zoo’s oldest residents and beloved icons. This is the first time in the zoo’s over 150-year history that Galapagos tortoises have hatched, making it an especially momentous occasion.
The hatchlings emerged beginning February 27, each weighing between 70–80 grams — about the weight of a chicken egg. For now, the little ones are staying behind the scenes in the Reptile and Amphibian House, where they’re carefully monitored and thriving under expert care.
Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Jo-Elle Mogerman shared the excitement:
“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 added that Mommy, who arrived at the zoo in 1932, has been a beloved fixture for nearly a century — likely seen by generations of zoo visitors.
Now, she’s not only the oldest resident but also the oldest first-time mom ever recorded for her species, the Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise. Her contribution is especially important: she’s considered one of the most genetically valuable individuals in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan.
More eggs are still being watched carefully by zoo staff, keeping hopes alive for even more tiny tortoises.
This clutch is the first of its kind to hatch at an AZA-accredited zoo since 2019, when tortoises were born at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina. Other successful breeding programs have also taken place at San Diego Zoo, Zoo Miami, and Honolulu Zoo.
As Mogerman noted:
“Philadelphia Zoo’s vision is that those hatchlings will be a part of a thriving population of Galapagos tortoises on our healthy planet 100 years from now.”
And thanks to efforts like these — they just might be. 🐢💚