PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Zoo has achieved a groundbreaking conservation success with the hatching of nine additional critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises, bringing the total number of hatchlings to 16 within the past year. The rare achievement marks the second successful clutch of eggs in the Zoo’s history, and it comes from one of its most remarkable residents — a nearly 100-year-old first-time mother, affectionately named Mommy.
A Conservation Breakthrough
The births represent a significant boost for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which aims to ensure the survival and genetic diversity of threatened species. Including these new hatchlings, there are now 60 Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises in managed care across AZA-accredited facilities in the United States.
“This incredible story of Mommy, Abrazzo, and their 16 babies has captured imaginations worldwide,” said Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo. “It’s made us think deeply about conservation and what it means to leave a legacy. Our mission is to ensure these hatchlings live on a healthy planet 100 years from now, when they may have offspring of their own.”
Years in the Making
The achievement is the result of years of collaboration and dedication. In October 2020, the Zoo welcomed Abrazzo, a male Galapagos tortoise brought in from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina under an SSP breeding recommendation. After being carefully introduced to Mommy in 2022, the pair produced their first viable clutch in November 2024, followed by a second in January 2025.
Of the 16 hatchlings:
- Seven emerged earlier this year from the first clutch, including four females named after the Golden Girls and three males, one named Zee in honor of Midshipman 3/C Justin Zemser.
- Nine new hatchlings from the second clutch include six males and three females, all of which are healthy and thriving.
Director of Herpetology Lauren Augustine praised the Zoo’s animal care team for accomplishing “what was considered nearly impossible — twice in less than a year.” She credited the effort to “the collaboration of our veterinary, facilities, conservation education, and fundraising teams, as well as the support of the broader AZA community.”
Honoring History Through Names
Seven of the hatchlings have been named to honor individuals and landmarks tied to Galapagos conservation and the Zoo’s heritage:
- Colette — after herpetologist Colette Adams, a leader in Galapagos tortoise conservation.
- Soledad — inspired by “Lonesome George,” the last of his subspecies, and the historic Solitude Mansion on the Zoo’s grounds.
- Isabelle and Roger — named for photographer Isabelle Hunt Conant and her husband Roger Conant, a former Zoo director who designed the Reptile & Amphibian House.
- Fausto — honoring Fausto Llerena, caretaker of Lonesome George for 40 years.
- Caldero — a nod to the volcanic calderas on Santa Cruz Island, home to the species.
- Lee — named after the grandfather of an animal care specialist for his love of wildlife and conservation.
Two of the newest hatchlings remain unnamed, and the Zoo is inviting the public to participate. For every $25 donation, supporters can enter for a chance to name one of these historic babies, with proceeds going toward ongoing conservation efforts.
A Rare Species Facing Extinction
Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), facing threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, and human activity. Native to the Galapagos Islands, these giants are among the largest tortoise species on Earth, with males reaching up to 500 pounds and lifespans exceeding 100 years.
Vice President of Animal Well-Being and Conservation Rachel Metz emphasized the broader importance of the Zoo’s success: “Galapagos tortoises, along with many other critically endangered reptiles and amphibians, are in urgent need of our attention. We hope these hatchlings inspire the next generation of herpetologists and conservationists.”
A Future for the Next Century
For now, the hatchlings will remain at the Philadelphia Zoo for at least a year while animal care specialists monitor their growth. Beginning in fall 2026, some may be relocated to other accredited facilities as part of the AZA’s coordinated breeding program.
Visitors can see the young tortoises in the Reptile & Amphibian House, explore behind-the-scenes tours with Mommy and Abrazzo, and contribute to ongoing conservation initiatives.
With each new hatchling, the Philadelphia Zoo is helping secure a future for a species teetering on the edge of extinction — and ensuring that, a century from now, another generation of tortoises may continue the legacy.
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