Critically Endangered Tortoise Is a First-Time Mom at Nearly 100 Years Old

Much like people, some animals take to parenthood later than usual. A pair of Western Santa Cruz Galápagos tortoises at the Philadelphia Zoo have just become parents as they approach the century mark. This month, the Philadelphia Zoo announced the arrival of four hatchlings born to the male tortoise Abrazzo and the aptly named female Mommy. The hatchlings are the first ever born in the Zoo’s 150-year history, and Mommy is the oldest documented member of her species to become a mother. More hatchlings could emerge in the coming weeks as well. Galápagos tortoises, named for the islands off Ecuador where they reside, are the largest tortoises in the world, and can live for over 170 years in captivity. Western Santa Cruz Galápagos tortoises are one of 13 living subspecies. The tortoises underwent a steep population decline starting in the 19th century, fueled by hunting and the introduction of invasive species to the area. Conservation efforts have boosted their numbers as of late, but ... Read full article.