In a historic first for the Philadelphia Zoo, two critically endangered Galápagos tortoises have become parents—at nearly 100 years old. The hatchlings mark a milestone for both the zoo and the Western Santa Cruz species, with only about 3,400 remaining in the wild.
Their mother, affectionately named Mommy, has lived at the zoo for over 90 years and is considered one of the most genetically valuable tortoises of her kind. She laid 16 eggs in November, and four healthy hatchlings have emerged so far.
This is the first time the Philadelphia Zoo has successfully bred Galápagos tortoises, offering new hope for a species long threatened by habitat loss and invasive predators. The baby tortoises will make their public debut very soon, just in time for the anniversary of Mommy’s arrival. Their birth is a joyful moment—and a powerful reminder of how conservation efforts can create new beginnings, even a century in the making.