Turtles are known for their very long lifespan. Despite reaching an age considered very old for humans, turtles often continue thriving.
Meet Mr. Pickles, a 90-year-old radiated tortoise who recently achieved a remarkable milestone: he became a father for the first time!
The surprising news originates from the Houston Zoo, where Mr. Pickles, their oldest resident, welcomed three newborn offspring.
A zoo press release revealed that the baby turtles were a delightful surprise. A herpetology caretaker discovered “Mrs. Pickles” laying her eggs after hours.
The zoo’s animal care team swiftly intervened, relocating the eggs to the Reptile & Amphibian House. The zoo emphasized that the local Houston environment is not suitable for the eggs to hatch naturally, underscoring the significance of timely intervention.
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For the babies’ safety, they are currently housed separately and will join their parents once they are older.
The newborns were aptly named with a pickle theme: Jalapeño, Dill, and Gherkin. Jalapeño boasts the darkest shell, while Dill and Gherkin have lighter shells, with Gherkin featuring a distinctive white spot in the middle.
This event is not only remarkable due to Mr. Pickles’ advanced age but also highly significant because the radiated tortoise is a critically endangered species. Originating from Madagascar, these tortoises face threats from the illegal pet trade and have low reproduction rates.
The Houston Zoo lauded the birth as a pivotal moment for species conservation. Mr. Pickles, the new father, is deemed “the most genetically valuable radiated tortoise” by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.
Having resided at the zoo for 36 years, Mr. Pickles has been alongside his partner Mrs. Pickles since her arrival in 1996.
Part of each Houston Zoo membership and entry fee is allocated to support reforestation efforts in Madagascar through partnerships aimed at conserving wildlife habitats.
This extraordinary news calls for celebration! Congratulations to Mr. Pickles on this remarkable fatherhood achievement at the age of 90, and kudos to the Houston Zoo for the successful birth of these critically endangered newborns!
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