Tortoise hatchlings make public debut at Philadelphia Zoo after mother sets world record
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Zoo is celebrating the mother tortoise and her babies that set a world record.
The Western Santa Cruz Galapagos Tortoise made international headlines earlier this month when, at nearly 100 years old, she became the oldest first-time mom of her species.
The tortoise, named "Mommy," made international headlines earlier this month when, at nearly 100 years old, she became the oldest first-time mom of her species.
The hatchlings made their public debut Wednesday, the 93rd anniversary of their mother's arrival at the zoo.
There are four nearly identical hatchlings. To tell them apart, a zookeeper said the staff put little dots of nail polish on them.
"The western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise really only has a few thousand individuals left, so these four babies are really important for the success of the species," says Dani Hogan Director of Mission Integration.
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Mommy and her partner, Abrazo, created the tennis ball sized hatchlings, that will carry on the species for centuries to come.
"We think that these animals can live to be about 200 years old. We think we haven't reached the limit yet," said Hogan.
Zoo visitors were there to welcome the new arrivals.
"They are very slow and they're kind of like me when I wake up," said 9-year-old Ethan.
Philadelphia Zoo has been working on this conservation feat for years with a number of tortoise eggs still under observation.
"We do have a lot more eggs that we're keeping an eye on. We could have more babies in the future. We're not sure yet, but we're hopeful," says Hogan.
