PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Zoo has announced the hatching of three critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises, adding to its growing number of successful conservation achievements. The hatchlings are from the same clutch of eggs that earlier this year produced four females, named after the Golden Girls. The new additions, all males, bring the Zoo’s total hatchlings from these parents to seven.
The hatchlings’ parents are Mommy and Abrazzo, the Zoo’s two oldest residents, both estimated to be around 100 years old. Mommy, at 97 years old, is considered among the most genetically valuable Galapagos tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Her recent clutch marks her historic achievement as the oldest first-time mother of her species.
The eggs were incubated at the Zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House, with staff using precise temperature settings to ensure male hatchlings. “It is such a delight to have the final eggs of Mommy’s first viable clutch hatch,” said Rachel Metz, Vice President of Animal Well-Being at the Zoo. “This success has been a years-long process from bringing Abrazzo to the Zoo in 2020, to fundraising for nesting materials in 2021, and introducing Mommy and Abrazzo in 2022.”
The Zoo also revealed that Mommy laid an additional 16 eggs in January 2025. Of these, nine continue to develop in incubators, with six targeted to yield males and three females. These are expected to hatch in the coming weeks, further contributing to the Zoo’s role in safeguarding the future of this critically endangered species.
The Philadelphia Zoo’s conservation efforts are part of the AZA SSP program, aimed at maintaining a genetically diverse population of Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises. Threatened by habitat loss, human conflict, and invasive species, Galapagos tortoises are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman said, “It is a joy to be able to share this next chapter with all those in our region, country, and around the world that have been captivated by this story. Mommy, Abrazzo, and the hatchlings are educating millions of people about their species and conservation. Those folks have become a part of this story. We encourage them to get involved by visiting the babies or by supporting their care however they can.”
Visitors can view the hatchlings in the Reptile and Amphibian House as they rotate between public viewing and behind-the-scenes care. To further involve the public, the Zoo has designed commemorative t-shirts, with a portion of the proceeds supporting animal care. The Zoo also offers behind-the-scenes tours where guests can meet Mommy and Abrazzo.
With over 90 years of experience caring for Mommy, the Philadelphia Zoo has solidified its reputation as a leader in Galapagos tortoise conservation. As it nurtures its newest arrivals and prepares for additional hatchlings, the Zoo remains committed to its mission of saving species while inspiring education and global engagement in conservation.
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