Overview

• The hatchlings are western Santa Cruz Galápagos tortoises born across multiple clutches in 2025, totaling four females in early spring, three males in April, three females in June, and six males later in summer.
• Director of herpetology Lauren Augustine said the births raised the number of this species in North American human care from 44 to 60.
• Mommy has lived at the zoo since 1932 and produced her first offspring after Abrazzo arrived from Riverbanks Zoo nearly five years ago, with the near‑100‑year‑old pair considered highly genetically valuable.
• The tortoises will remain under care in Philadelphia for at least a year, with staff planning to convene in fall 2026 to determine placements through the AZA Species Survival Plan.
• A public naming contest offers entries at $25 each to name one male hatchling, with submissions accepted until Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 11:59 p.m.