Animals | June 29, 2022 8:18 AM | hangbony
Endangered 80-year-old tortoise becomes a first-time mom
First time mom While most of animal species don’t even live up to 80-year-old, for Nigrita the tortoise, it is the age she gave birth for the very first time. An even more fortunate event thinking her species is endangered.
Nigrita is an 80-year-old Galapagos tortoise that lives at the Zoo ZÃrich in Switzerland.
Native to the islands with the same name, the Galapagos tortoise are the largest tortoise species, weighing up to 900lb. They are also able to live more than 150 years. Unfortunately, back in the 70s, the species was at the verge of extinction with only ten individuals left in the wild. She also happens to be making a big difference for her endangered species
Nigrita laid her first eggs this year. Most species donât live to be 80 years old, let alone give birth at that age, but for her species, itâs quite normal!
In fact, these tortoises typically donât start reproducing until around age 40. Galapagos tortoises are known as one of the longest-living animals on Earth. By tortoise standards, Nigrita is in her prime. Although Galapagos tortoises can live to be over 150 years old, there arenât many left. The species is endangered due to greedy humans and hungry predators. Nigrita is currently part of a breeding program at the zoo, which makes her nine hatchlings all the more special. Itâs up to tortoises like Nigrita to ensure the survival of her species. Watch the precious video below:
