Imagine living in the same zoo for more than 90 years… and then, at nearly 100 years old, becoming a mother for the very first time.
That’s what happened to “Mommy,” a Western Santa Cruz Galápagos tortoise at the Philadelphia Zoo.
She arrived at the zoo in 1932 and spent decades there. Then, in 2020, another tortoise named Abrazzo arrived as part of a breeding program. He was also close to 100 years old.
At first, nothing happened. Mommy laid several clutches of eggs, but they did not produce viable eggs.
Then, in November 2024, everything changed. She laid her first viable clutch, and on February 27, 2025, the first baby began to hatch. Over the following weeks, seven tiny tortoises emerged.
But the story didn’t end there.
A second successful clutch later produced nine more babies, bringing the total to 16 by that summer.
The first hatchlings weighed only around 70 to 80 grams, while adult Galápagos tortoises can weigh hundreds of pounds.
Before these births, only 44 Western Santa Cruz tortoises lived in U.S. zoos.
So after more than nine decades at one zoo, Mommy became the oldest known first-time mother of her species in any U.S. zoo.
I will have less of a presence on The Torrid Tribe Community. We have very little activity here. This is a sign to me that members have found other social media resources that they are spending more time in. I am happy to see less censorship on social media in general. I started The Torrid Tribe 4 years ago when we were in a state of censorship and lockdowns. It was a difficult time and this was a haven and sanctuary for so many.
I will be lightly posting things here to give you all content to see. This community will always be open to everyone and will resurrect to its full capacity if subscribers show they want it fully operational again with full time administration.
Thank you for being a part of this community. Sending each of you hugs.
K-
Creator of The Torrid Tribe
Passion is the vibe that I want to bring to this community. I want to enjoy your passion for whatever it is you are into. Let's share what we learn - and learn what each other shares. Foodies unite. I love to cook and share recipes. I will regularly post pictures and recipes are available upon request. I would enjoy discussing your past, present and future journeys. Nature is God and Mother Earth's exquisite gift to us. Share a picture and we will enjoy the beauty through your eyes. Let's get deep and consensual with great subjective matter. This is a non judgemental safe place to let everything hang out.
Thank you for your membership contribution subscription. It sponsors our frequent zooms.
For those members that are enjoying this Community, Please consider subscribing. Your commitment will help this Community thrive.
Thank you and hugs.
Torri
