Philadelphia Zoo introduces clutch of Galapagos tortoises for first time in over 150 years
4 Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise hatchlings debut at Philly Zoo
The hatchling's parents are the zoo's two oldest residents, each estimated to be around 100-years-old.
PHILADELPHIA - For the first time in over 150 years, the Philadelphia Zoo welcomed a clutch of Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises.
The hatchling's parents are the zoo's two oldest residents, each estimated to be around 100-years-old.
You can help the zoo name the tiny tortoises by going to their website and casting your vote for your favorite Philly-inspired names.
Philly Zoo to introduce four Galapagos Turtles for first time in over 150 years
Four Western Santa Cruz Galapagos Turtles will make their public debut at the Philadelphia Zoo on Wednesday for the first time in over 150 years.
What we know:
The Philadelphia Zoo will welcome four Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises on Wednesday.
It's the first time in over 150 years that the Philadelphia Zoo has introduced an endangered species.
The hatchling's parents, female Mommy and male Abrazzo, are the zoo's two oldest residents, each estimated to be around 100-years-old.
The tiny tortoises' introduction comes on the 94th anniversary of Mommy's arrival at the Philadelphia Zoo.
The tortoises are said to weigh about 70-80 grams, and were born back in February but were kept behind-the-scenes until their introduction on Wednesday.
"Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with threats including human-wildlife conflict, the introduction of invasive species, and habitat loss," according to the Philadelphia Zoo's website.
What you can do:
The baby tortoises still don't have names, but you can help by voting in the Philadelphia Zoo's poll.
Voters can choose from four batches of names, including options like Aunt Viv, Willie, Jazz & Avery.
Other choices include Liberty, Independence, Betsy & Belle.