Philly Zoo Marks Historic Debut Of Endangered Tortoise Hatchlings

PHILADELPHIA — Four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise hatchlings on made their public debut at the Philadelphia Zoo Wednesday.

The females, each about the size of a tennis ball, are thriving and growing appropriately behind-the-scenes in the Reptile and Amphibian House.

The hatchlings’ parents, female Mommy and male Abrazzo, are the zoo’s two oldest animals, each estimated to be around 100 years old. Their debut comes on the same day Mommy arrived at the zoo 93 years ago on April 23, 1932.

To celebrate this conservation achievement, the zoo is asking for the public’s help to choose names for the babies.

The groups of names, chosen by zoo staff, feature different themes from conservation to Philadelphia and pop culture, include:

Prominent female herpetologists

Mary, Joan, Grace, and Hellen (Mary Cynthia Dickerson, Joan Beauchamp Proctor, Grace Olive Wiley, Helen Thompson Gaige)

Celebrating Philadelphia

Liberty, Independence (Indy for short), Betsy, and Belle

For these future Golden Girls

Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia

“In West Philadelphia born and raised” for the Fresh Prince of Bel Air

Aunt Viv, Willie, Jazz, and Avery

The public is encouraged to choose their favorite group of names online here. Voting is open through 11:59 p.m. Sunday. The winner will be announced on the Zoo’s social media channels on Monday.

In addition to choosing names, the zoo is also auctioning off a one-of-a-kind painting made by the hatchlings. To create it, the babies walked across a canvas with non-toxic paint on their feet. Every dollar donated is an entry to win. The money raised in this auction will go toward the Zoo’s conservation fund. The auction open now through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. Go online here to learn more.

Also in celebration of the hatchlings’ debut, the zoo has designed t-shirts to support their care. The three designs are based off of photos taken of the baby tortoises and Mommy. Slogans include “Never Too Late,” “Saving Species Since 1859,” and “Live Long and Grow a Thick Shell.” Part of the proceeds will go to the zoo’s animal care fund. T-shirts are available online here.

These new additions are a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan breeding program to ensure the survival of Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises and maintain a genetically diverse population.

The first one hatched on Feb. 27 and the animal care team is still monitoring eggs that could hatch in the coming weeks.

Mommy is considered one of the most genetically valuable Galapagos tortoises in this program. She is also the oldest first-time mom of her species. Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature with threats including human-wildlife conflict, the introduction of invasive species, and habitat loss. This is the first time this species has ever hatched at the zoo.

The hatchlings will remain at the zoo for at least five years. The zoo will work with the AZA SSP to determine when and if the hatchlings will move to different facilities. The Zoo is also home to two giant Aldabra tortoises, Wilma and Betty.

Guests can also meet Mommy and Abrazzo during a Behind-the-Scenes experience at the zoo. Tours are offered Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $65 and do not include zoo admission. Members receive discounts on tickets.