Nearly 100-year-old Galapagos tortoises become parents at Philadelphia Zoo

By Beril Canakci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Two nearly 100-year-old Galapagos tortoises at the Philadelphia Zoo have become first-time parents, CBC News reported on Saturday.

According to the report, the zoo announced the hatching of four critically endangered tortoises—its first in more than 150 years.

For now, the four hatchlings are being kept out of public view in the zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House, where animal care staff monitor their growth.

Born to longtime residents Mommy and Abrazzo, each weighs about 70 to 80 grams—roughly the weight of a chicken egg.

Zoo officials called the event a milestone, noting that Mommy is the oldest first-time mother of her species in the AZA’s conservation program.

A public debut and naming contest are also planned for April 23, the report says.