Philadephia Zoo
The hatchlings’ parents, female Mommy and male Abrazzo, are the Zoo’s two oldest residents.
They are estimated to be around 100 years old. The pair arrived at the zoo in 1932.
The Zoo said in a statement that it would debut the hatchlings on April 23rd, which is also the 93rd anniversary of Mommy's arrival at the Zoo.
The hatchlings are currently behind the scenes inside the Reptile and Amphibian House, eating and growing. They weigh between 70 and 0 grams, about the weight of an egg.
According to the zoo, the first one hatched on 27 February, while others will be monitored.
Once introduced to the public, a competition will be launched to help the Zoo name them.
'Mommy' is considered one of the most genetically valuable Galapagos tortoises in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP).
She is also the oldest first-time mom of her species.
The babies are part of the AZA SSP breeding program, which ensures the survival of this species and maintains a genetically diverse population.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises as critically endangered.
