Tortoise hatchlings born of century-old parents come out of their shells at Philadelphia Zoo
August 20, 2025
The Philadelphia Zoo is showing off 16 critically endangered western Santa Cruz tortoise hatchlings. The zoo gave the offspring the red carpet treatment on Wednesday with an event to show them off. The 16 were born in a series of hatches this year to Mommy and Abrazzo. The parents are both estimated to be about 100 years old. Mommy has been at the zoo since 1932, but this year’s hatchlings are her first offspring. The youngsters are considered a win in the effort to preserve western Santa Cruz tortoises.