Sixteen critically endangered western Santa Cruz tortoises, born to centenarian parents, were showcased Wednesday at the Philadelphia Zoo, receiving a slow walk and special attention to celebrate the rare hatchlings.

Animal care experts who have monitored the tortoises since they were eggs held the young reptiles along a path near the zoo’s tortoise habitat. The hatchlings are reported to be healthy, eating well, and growing steadily.

The tortoises were born this year to Mommy and Abrazzo, both estimated to be around 100 years old. Mommy arrived at the zoo in 1932 but had not produced offspring until Abrazzo joined her nearly five years ago from Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. These 16 are her first offspring.

“Now this animal, who’s been in Philadelphia since 1932, will be represented here for, hopefully, another 100 years because her offspring are now part of our collection,” said Lauren Augustine, the zoo’s director of herpetology.

Four females that hatched earlier this spring were named after characters from the TV show “Golden Girls.” Three males hatched in April, followed by Mommy’s second clutch with three females in June and six males over the summer.

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Mommy and Abrazzo, the zoo’s oldest residents, are considered genetically vital for the species’ survival. Their offspring are a significant achievement in efforts to conserve western Santa Cruz tortoises and will remain at the zoo for at least a year before moving to other facilities next fall.

Western Santa Cruz tortoises are one of 13 living tortoise species native to seven islands in the Galapagos chain off Ecuador. As the largest tortoise species, they can live up to 200 years.

The zoo is inviting donors to suggest names for one male hatchling, subject to approval. Other hatchlings are named Zee, James, Colette, Soledad, Isabelle, Roger, Fausto, Caldero, Lee, Marigold Puddlefoot, and Kelpy. Caretakers use colored, nontoxic nail polish to distinguish the hatchlings.

The Philadelphia Zoo also houses two giant Aldabra tortoises, Wilma and Betty. Meanwhile, a 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise named Goliath became a father for the first time at Zoo Miami in June.

Source: Agency