Philadelphia Zoo Celebrates Historic Hatching of Endangered Galapagos Tortoises

Four female Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise hatchlings, born to centenarian parents, mark a conservation breakthrough ahead of their public debut on April 23, 2025.

Four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises hatched at the Philadelphia Zoo, a first in its 150-year history.
The hatchlings' mother, a 100-year-old tortoise named Mommy, is the oldest-known first-time mother of her species.
The breeding success is part of the AZA Species Survival Plan, with Mommy recognized as one of the program's most genetically valuable individuals.
The eggs, laid in November 2024, were incubated at higher temperatures to ensure female hatchlings, showcasing advanced conservation techniques.
The hatchlings are currently thriving under expert care and will make their public debut on April 23, coinciding with Mommy's 93rd anniversary at the zoo.