Image Credit: aroysrc/123rf.com
A 100-year-old Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise named Mommy at the Philadelphia Zoo has achieved a significant milestone by becoming a mother for the first time. This spring, four critically endangered hatchlings emerged, marking the first successful reproduction of this species at the zoo.
The births are part of a broader conservation effort facilitated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) through its Species Survival Plan (SSP). In 2020, a male tortoise named Abrazzo was introduced to Mommy as a breeding partner, a decision that has now proven fruitful. Out of 16 eggs laid by Mommy, four have successfully hatched, all of which are female. This intentional choice supports future population growth, with the hatchlings weighing between 70 and 80 grams and already beginning to eat.
Mommy has been a resident of the Philadelphia Zoo since 1932, making her a familiar presence for generations of visitors. The zoo’s president noted that before the hatchlings, Mommy’s genes were not represented in the AZA population, making her offspring crucial for the species’ conservation.
The hatchlings will remain at the zoo for at least five years, allowing the public to observe this important conservation success story. Their public debut is scheduled for April 23, coinciding with the 93rd anniversary of Mommy’s arrival at the zoo. This achievement is being recognized as a breakthrough in the conservation of the Galapagos tortoise, inspiring other accredited zoos to replicate this success in their own breeding programs.
Check out the original article here: Source link
