The country's only crocodile zoo now had six baby Giant Galapagos tortoises after four more were born.

Announcing the news, Crocodiles of the World at Brize Norton said the arrivals were an important step in conserving the endangered species.

"Amazing news!! We have had four more Giant Galapagos tortoises hatch at the zoo! That now brings our total to six baby giants that you can see when you next visit!"

The zoo added: "This is a first for the UK and incredible for a species that has previously come so close to extinction. Hopefully this is a great step towards helping the conservation of the species."

Earlier this month the zoo announced that two Giant Galapagos tortoises had hatched as part of the first successful breeding of the endangered species at a UK zoo.  

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The baby Galapagos, which are the largest living tortoise species in the world, weighed 67g and 69g - around the same weight as a kiwi fruit.

 

 

They were fed on a diet of dried grasses, leafy greens, pear cactus and weeds.

Shaun Foggett, zoo founder, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have successfully bred these tortoises, who have previously been very close to extinction.

"They are still facing an uncertain future, primarily due to historic over exploitation and egg predation from invasive species.

"We have all been hoping for this day since the Giant tortoises joined us in 2018 and it’s a significant achievement towards helping the conservation of the species.”

Crocodiles of the World is home to four adult Giant Galapagos tortoises, three females called Zuzu, Isabella and Charlie and one male, Dirk.

He is the largest Galapagos tortoise in the UK and currently weighs an impressive 165kg or 25 stone.

These gentle giants are part of a European conservation programme and joined the zoo four years ago from Chester Zoo and ZSL London.

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Mr Foggett said: "Although they have been very amorous since their arrival with us, unfortunately no fertile eggs were laid in the first three years."

Jamie Gilks, Head of Reptiles, added: “To have a successful breeding with this iconic species really means a lot, not just to me personally but to everyone here at the zoo, especially after all the hard work our team have put in.

"Opening our incubator to see a cracked shell and feel the baby moving inside was indescribable, and a moment that will stay with everyone involved for a very long time.”

The baby Galapagos tortoises will be housed for visitors to see soon.

 

 

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