Mommy's surprising journey: centenarian motherhood

In the heart of the Philadelphia Zoo in the United States, a Galápagos tortoise named Mommy made history in animal conservation. At the impressive age of 100 years old, she became a mother for the first time, an unprecedented feat among tortoises of her species.

Mommy's species, the Chelonoidis niger porteri, is native to Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos archipelago. For this reason, every birth is more than just good news—it's a victory against extinction. And it was with her partner Abrazzo, also around 100 years old, that Mommy achieved this extraordinary feat.

A rare partnership that brought life

Despite having lived with males of other species, it was only with Abrazzo—a native of the same island—that Mommy was able to create life. The connection between the two took time to happen. The zoo team had to adapt the environment to stimulate the natural behavior of the pair. Their efforts paid off: starting in 2023, the tortoise began laying eggs. But it was only in the last clutch, laid in November 2024, that the hatchlings finally emerged.

On February 27, 2025, the first of the four hatchlings broke through its shell. Since then, the little ones have been closely monitored, as they represent not only a new generation but also a breath of hope for the species.

Tortoise Mommy set a record by becoming a mother at 100 years old

Hope for an endangered species

Mommy's story is part of a larger effort: the Species Survival Plan (SSP), coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The goal is to ensure that species like the Galápagos tortoise have a chance to survive, even outside their natural habitat.

Since arriving at the Philadelphia Zoo in 1932, Mommy has charmed caretakers and visitors alike. However, no one imagined that nearly a century later, she would still play such a vital role in the history of her species.

Hatchlings as symbols of education and conservation

The new hatchlings haven't been named yet, but they already have a scheduled public debut: April 23, when Mommy celebrates 93 years since her arrival at the zoo. Since they are still small and vulnerable, they are living in a separate space from their parents, with all the necessary care.

Rachel Metz, vice president of animal welfare and conservation at the zoo, explained:

"These hatchlings not only protect the species from extinction but also serve as important ambassadors to inspire visitors to save wildlife and wild places."

Nearly extinct tortoise Mommy becomes a mother at 100 and moves the world
Mommy's four hatchlings are symbols of renewal and a milestone in tortoise conservation

Tortoise Mommy inspires the world

The moving story of tortoise Mommy is not just a scientific curiosity. It teaches us about resilience, care, and the importance of every life in the balance of biodiversity. In times when so many species face extinction, cases like this show that there are still reasons to believe—and fight—for nature.

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🐢 Did you know that tortoises can live over 100 years? Imagine how much history fits into a life like Mommy's!