In the tranquil setting of the **[Philadelphia Zoo](https://www.philadelphiazoo.org/)**, United States, a giant Galapagos tortoise starred in an unprecedented event. **”Mommy”**, **a tortoise of approximately 97 years old** who has been residing in the enclosure since 1932, became a **mother for the first time**, giving birth to **four offspring** of the subspecies *Chelonoidis niger porteri*, native to the southwest of Santa Cruz Island. Her mate, “Abrazzo”, 96 years old, also played a part in this achievement, considered a **milestone in captive breeding** of one of the **[most threatened species](https://noticiasambientales.com/medio-ambiente/las-tortugas-marinas-adelantan-su-anidacion-ante-el-cambio-climatico/)** on the planet.
With only 3,400 individuals in the wild and just 44 in U.S. zoos, these births represent **a concrete hope for the species**. The offspring, small as chicken eggs, grew normally and will be presented to the public on April 23, coinciding with Mommy’s 93rd anniversary at the zoo.
Reproduction was not simple. It required optimal conditions of temperature, humidity, and lighting, as well as time for the pair to emotionally adapt. Mommy, the centenarian tortoise, **laid 16 eggs, of which four hatched**. Caretakers artificially incubated the eggs, applying different temperatures to influence the sex of the offspring: the ones born so far are all females.
Technology and science played a key role in this process, along with the dedication of the **[conservation team](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/recuperan-la-libertad-en-la-pampa-cardenales-amarillos-y-tortugas-terrestres/)**. Currently, **there are still 12 eggs with the possibility of hatching**, keeping expectations alive for new births in the coming weeks.
## Mommy, a natural rarity
This event is not just a zoo rarity, but **a symbol of recovery**. For centuries, Galapagos tortoises were victims of hunting and habitat destruction. Initiatives like that of the Philadelphia Zoo now seek to reverse that damage through breeding and protection programs.
Giant tortoises **can live over 150 years**, opening the possibility for Mommy and Abrazzo to continue their legacy. In a world of rapid changes, **their story is a lesson in perseverance, science, and hope**: a slow but steady step towards biodiversity conservation.
## Why do tortoises live so long?
According to experts, **tortoises can live for many years** because they have a slow metabolism that helps reduce cellular damage and oxidative stress. They even have the ability to survive long periods without food or water.
The fact that their metabolism is slow means they burn energy more slowly, reducing cellular damage and oxidative stress. As cold-blooded animals, they don’t need to spend much energy to stay warm. Additionally, their shell and the fact that they spend most of their time in burrows keep them protected.
Tortoises are **among the animals that can most easily survive with scarce resources**. For example, they were able to survive during and after the extinction of the dinosaurs. The life expectancy of tortoises varies by species. For instance, Eastern box turtles can live over 50 years, while Greek and leopard tortoises can live up to 100 years or more.
Source: Muy Interesante.
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