Baby Galapagos Tortoises Born at a Zoo, Hope Glimmers for the Endangered Species

For the first time, two gorgeous Giant Galapagos tortoises have been born at a British zoo, marking a huge milestone in the endangered species' reproduction.

Hatching Hatchlings

The hatchlings were hatched at Crocodiles of the World in Oxfordshire, where they were fathered by Dirk, a 70-year-old man in 'top physical shape.'

'We're really happy to have successfully produced these tortoises, who were previously very near to extinction,' said Shaun Foggett, creator of Crocodiles of the World.

Due to historical over-exploitation and invasive egg predation species.

Anticipation

'We've all been waiting for this day since the Giant tortoises arrived in 2018, and it's a huge step forward in the species' protection.'

The hatchlings are only 67g and 69g in weight, like a kiwi fruit.

They're being constantly watched by zookeepers, who are feeding them dry grasses, pear cactus, weeds, and leafy greens.

Growing Large

Despite their small stature, the hatchlings will undoubtedly grow to be massive in adulthood. Giant Galapagos tortoises are the world's largest living tortoise species, weighing 880 pounds (400kg).

Dirk

Dirk, a 70-year-old Giant Galapagos tortoise who originally arrived in the UK in the 1960s and is in 'top physical condition,' was chosen by the zookeepers to breed the hatchlings.

In November 2021, Dirk, who stands at 350 pounds (165kg), bred with Charlie, a 21-year-old female.

Four adult, Giant Galapagos tortoises live at Crocodiles of the World, with two females named Zuzu and Isabella joining Charlie and Dirk.

In 2018, the tortoises arrived at the zoo from Chester Zoo and ZSL London.

Unfortunately, no viable eggs were deposited in the first three years, indicating how difficult the species is to procreate.

'To have a successful mating with this famous species truly means a lot, not only to me personally but to everyone here at the zoo, especially after all the hard work our staff has put in,' said Jamie Gilks, Head of Reptiles at Crocodiles of the World.

'Seeing a shattered shell and feeling the baby move within our incubator was incredible, and it was a moment that everyone involved will remember for a long time.'

Famous Turtles

The Galapagos Islands' Giant Galapagos Tortoise is one of the most well-known species, and the archipelago is named after them.

They arrived in the Galapagos Islands 2-3 million years ago from mainland South America, where they evolved into 14 species with different morphologies and distributions.

'Giant tortoises vary greatly in size and shape, but all species may be classified into two primary shell types: domed and saddle-backed,' according to the Galapagos Conservation Trust.

Living their Lives

Dome-shelled tortoises lack an upward inclination to the front of their carapace (shell), limiting the amount of head movement they may make.

They like to dwell on huge, wet islands with plenty of plant life to consume.'

Saddle-backed tortoises have an upward slope at their carapace, extending up to reach higher-growing plants.

They prefer to dwell on Galapagos' dry islands, where food is scarce.

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