Nigrita is a Galápagos tortoise who lives at Zoo Zürich in Switzerland. Although she is 80 years old, she is having a significant impact on her species, which is endangered. You see, she may be 80 years old, but she laid her first eggs this year. It turns out, it is not unusual for that to take place!
In the wild, tortoises don’t typically reproduce until they are 40. Although Nigrita is 80, she is just now hitting her prime. That is because Galápagos tortoises are some of the longest living animals on earth and at times, can live to be over 150 years old.
Unfortunately, the species has become endangered because of predators and greedy humans. This tortoise is part of the special breeding program at the zoo, and her 9 hatchlings are extremely special for the survival of the species.
As you scroll through the pictures of this new mom and her adorable babies, you can’t help but wonder at what just took place.
Nigrita is an 80-year-old Galápagos tortoise. She lives at the zoo Zürich Switzerland.
She is also a new mom.
It might seem old to humans to start a family at the age of 80, but it’s perfectly normal for a tortoise. The fact is, Galápagos tortoises can live well beyond 100 years of age.
It’s not unusual for a Galápagos tortoise to give birth at this age, but the fact that Nigrita had 9 healthy hatchlings is incredible. Why are they so special?
The Galápagos tortoise is on the endangered species list.
Nigrita is part of a breeding program that takes place at zoo Zürich. It is helping to move the species away from extinction.
Why do humans feel responsible for helping the Galápagos tortoise in this way? Because humans are part of the reason why they are on the endangered species list in the first place.
When humans first began traveling to the Galapagos Islands, they recognized that turtle meat was ideal for long boat rides.
When people brought the animals with them, it didn’t take long before they grew accustomed to the taste of tortoise eggs.
The work being done at Zoo Zürich is taking a huge leap forward in helping the Galápagos tortoise with their population problem.
We wish nothing but the best for Nigrita and her nine babies.
Via: Little Things
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