Image: © San Antonio Zoo
Author
Cale Russell
Published
August 12, 2023 9:40 pm
Location
San Antonio, Texas, The United States
Twenty Two Tiny Tortoises are the latest additions to the family at the San Antonio Zoo. The hatchlings are critically endangered Burmese mountain tortoises, also known as the Asian giant tortoise, the world’s fourth largest species of tortoise.
This is the first hatching of Burmese mountain tortoise at San Antonio Zoo as part of their conservation program for this threatened species. Unfortunately these tortoises are the subject of large scale poaching efforts primarily for use in traditional medicines. This has led to them being listed as critically endangered.
The parents of the tortoises are females, Large Marge and Scarlet with the father being Colton II. Their pairing was part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) program for the species which is crucial in ensuring the survival and well-being of these tortoises.
Alongside their breeding program in Texas the zoo also support conservation efforts in their native, India. This program involves head starting tortoises to give them a better chance at survival in the wild. Through these efforts they seek to contribute to the long-term survival of this species.
“We are incredibly proud of the successful hatching of the Burmese Mountain Tortoises at San Antonio Zoo,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “This achievement is a testament to our ongoing conservation efforts and commitment to protecting endangered species. We hope these hatchlings will inspire people to take action and join us in safeguarding the future of these incredible creatures.”
Guests visiting San Antonio Zoo may get to watch the Burmese brown tortoises as they grow. They will act as ambassadors bringing awareness to the conservation efforts underway to save the species in Asia.
A Burmese brown tortoise hatchling at San Antonio Zoo. These hatchlings are part of conservation efforts aimed at saving their critically endangered species. Image: © San Antonio Zoo
A Burmese brown tortoise hatchling at San Antonio Zoo. These hatchlings are part of conservation efforts aimed at saving their critically endangered species Image: © San Antonio Zoo
Also known as the Burmese brown tortoise or Asian giant tortoise you can learn more about these reptiles on our website.
About the Author
Cale Russell
Cale has operated The Animal Facts since 2012. During this time he has volunteered and worked across a range of Australian Wildlife Parks something he continues to today. He holds a certificate in Animal Care and Husbandry.
These turtles have a number of ways to communicate and are recognized as having the most elaborate communication behaviours of any tortoise. These include head bobbing and vocalizations.
Image: © Zoo
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