Photo: Philadelphia Zoo
Theres great news coming fromPhiladelphia Zoo.
The institution has announced the hatching of four critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises.
The hatching marks a first for both the zoo and the hatchlings mother.
Photo: Philadelphia Zoo
The hatchlings, which weigh between 70-80 grams, are reported to be healthy and eating.
They could potentially hatch, as they can take up to eight months to do so.
The sex of Galapagos tortoise hatchlings is determined by the incubation temperature, explains the Zoo.
Photo: Philadelphia Zoo
Temperatures below 82.4F produce males and above 85.1F produce females.
Of the 16 eggs laid by Mommy, eight were incubated to become females and eight to become males.
Learn more about the hatchlings in the video below.
Photo: Philadelphia Zoo
