Philadelphia: In a heartwarming first for one of America’s oldest zoos, two critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises, each more than a century old have welcomed their first hatchlings, delighting animal lovers and conservationists alike.
Philadelphia Zoo announced the historic births this week, revealing that the elderly pair, affectionately named Abrazzo and Mommy, became first-time parents to four tiny tortoises- the first ever to be born at the zoo in its 150-plus-year history.
The hatchlings began emerging from their eggs on February 27, and more may still follow in the coming weeks.
“We are overjoyed. This is a significant milestone in the zoo’s legacy, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share it with the city, the region, and the world,” said Jo-Elle Mogerman, President and CEO of the zoo.
We have INCREDIBLE news! 🎉
For the first time in our 150+ year history, four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises have hatched! 🐢 Mommy, who’s around 100 years old, is now the oldest first-time mom of her species! Read more👉 https://t.co/lpJi9uq2aQ pic.twitter.com/pFG10hbQWu
— Philly Zoo (@phillyzoo) April 3, 2025
What makes the event even more remarkable is that Mommy, who arrived at the zoo in 1932, is now the oldest known first-time mother of her species. Her mate, Abrazzo, joined her in 2020 from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in South Carolina.
Together, they are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which promotes breeding programs that support genetic diversity and the future of critically endangered animals.
Fewer than 50 Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises are kept in US zoos, and their wild counterparts remain in danger of extinction due to habitat loss and invasive predators.
The zoo plans to debut the quartet to the public on April 23, a date chosen to mark Mommy’s 93rd anniversary at the institution.
