Burmese Brown Tortoises Hatch in a First for San Antonio Zoo

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.