Meet Our Hatchlings
After gaining worldwide attention after announcing their historic arrival, we are excited to share that our Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise hatchlings will make their debut to the public at noon on Wednesday, April 23 at the Reptile and Amphibian House.
This day also marks Mommy’s 93rd anniversary of arriving at Philadelphia Zoo. We are expecting large crowds that day, so please plan accordingly and expect lines getting into the exhibit. Our team will be there to help the flow as well as host additional education stations to learn all about them.
Help Us Name Our Hatchlings
To celebrate this conservation achievement, the Zoo is asking for the public’s help to choose names for the babies. The groups of names, chosen by Zoo staff, feature different themes from conservation to Philadelphia and pop culture, include:
• Prominent female herpetologists: Mary, Joan, Grace and Hellen (named after Mary Cynthia Dickerson, Joan Beauchamp Proctor, Grace Olive Wiley, Helen Thompson Gaige)
• Celebrating Philadelphia: Liberty, Independence (Indy), Betsy and Belle
• For these future Golden Girls: Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia
• “In West Philadelphia born and raised...” for Fresh Prince of Bel Air: Aunt Viv, Willie, Jazz and Avery
Voting is open now through Sunday, April 27 at 11:59 pm. The winner will be announced on the Zoo’s social media channels on Monday, April 28. Please note that by submitting this form, you agree to receive email communications from Philadelphia Zoo.
Tortoise Painting Auction
In addition to choosing names, the Zoo is auctioning off a one-of-a-kind painting made by the hatchlings! To create it, the babies walked across a canvas with non-toxic paint on their feet. Every dollar donated is an entry to win ($1 = 1 entry, $20 = 20 entries, etc). The money raised in this auction will go toward the Zoo’s conservation fund. The auction is open now through Sunday, April 27 at 11:59 pm.
Donate NowLimited Edition Tortoise T-Shirts
Also in celebration of the hatchlings' debut, the Zoo has designed t-shirts to support their care. The three designs are based off of photos taken of the baby tortoises and Mommy. Slogans include “Never Too Late,” “Saving Species Since 1859,” and “Live Long and Grow a Thick Shell.” Part of the proceeds will go to the Zoo’s animal care fund.Â
Purchase Shirt
Adopt A Galapagos Tortoise
By adopting a Philadelphia Zoo animal, you share your love for animals by helping ours receive the best possible care. With over 1,900 mouths to feed, the Zoo’s annual grocery bill is over $500,000—your adopt purchase helps us buy monkey chow, trout, honey, mealworms, and much more!
Adopt NowBehind the Scenes: Giant Tortoises
Our Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises may be almost 100 years old, but they are full of life and personality! You and a zookeeper will embark on a unique experience, petting and feeding these gentle giants inside their habitat. They love the attention and are eager to meet you!
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