Congratulations are in order for Mommy, a Galápagos tortoise aged around 100, who has recently become a first-time mother at the Philadelphia Zoo. This remarkable event marks the zoo's first successful hatching of Galápagos tortoises since it opened over 150 years ago. Mommy and Abrazzo, the male tortoise also estimated to be about a century old, welcomed four hatchlings, with the first emerging on February 27, 2025, followed by three more within days. According to the New York Times, these hatchlings are set to be displayed to the public starting April 23, coinciding with the anniversary of Mommy's arrival at the zoo.

The president and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo, Jo-Elle Mogerman, expressed the zoo's joy regarding this milestone, stating, "This is a significant milestone in the history of Philadelphia Zoo, and we couldn't be more excited to share this news with our city, region, and the world." The zoo has been actively engaged in conservation efforts to support the Western Santa Cruz subspecies, which is critically endangered in the wild with fewer than 50 individuals in U.S. zoos. CBS News highlighted that Mommy is considered one of the most genetically valuable Galápagos tortoises and is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ species survival plan.

The hatchlings, weighing between 70 and 80 grams, are currently being cared for behind the scenes, where they are monitored closely to ensure their healthy growth. The zoo's animal care team is optimistic about additional eggs that may hatch soon. "Our vision is that those hatchlings will be a part of a thriving population of Galápagos tortoises on our healthy planet 100 years from now," said Mogerman, illustrating the zoo’s commitment to wildlife preservation and species recovery. BBC noted the doubly significant nature of this event, marking both parenthood and the longevity of these tortoises.