The Calgary Zoo has a lot to celebrate with the birth of a "critically endangered" Egyptian Tortoise, and in sharing the news, they've given the audience a very adorable first look.
On July 17, 2024, the Calgary Zoo took to social media to announce the birth of this "major milestone" baby, and this baby is really cute. Take a look!
" Tiny Tortoise brings big joy," the zoo wrote on Instagram. "It’s a tiny tale nearly a decade in the making."
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The Instagram post celebrated the birth, which happed on July 8, and it marked a very big milestone in all the work that's gone into helping this species.
"This successful hatching marks a major milestone in our conservation breeding efforts for the species, which began in 2015," the zoo share.
Along with the news, the zoo shared two photos of the Egyptian Tortoise baby, and it is smaller than expected when we think about a tortoise.
The first photo shows someone who is wearing medical gloves holding onto the little tortoise who is gently held between two fingers.
The second image is a comparison photo between the baby tortoise and a Canadian two dollar coin, which is slightly larger than a quarter.
Such a tiny little turtle, but so important.
In the comments, people were happy to celebrate the birth of the little turtle.
One person wrote, "So great to see another species being saved. Hopefully the other egg will hatch."
Another shared, "This makes me so happy!!! I’ve been wondering if a viable egg happened! One of my favourite animals to come and see!!"
Someone else added, "Congratulations! What a cute little joy!"
And the zoo continued, explaining why this birth is something extra important to celebrate.
“Conservation isn't just something we do; it's our purpose and underscores our deep connection to nature and our duty to help safeguard the world we share," said Mona Keith, Animal Care Supervisor.
“Like this tiny tortoise emerging into a vast world, its arrival symbolizes hope and resilience for its species. Through dedicated conservation efforts and education, we can foster this hope and strive towards a future where these remarkable reptiles can flourish.”
Interesting Facts About the Egyptian Tortoise
According to the Calgary Zoo , Egyptian Tortoises are "known for their small size" which makes them perfectly adapt for the desert.
Their small size "allows them to easily regulate their temperature and avoid overheating. Being pale in color allows an Egyptian tortoise to reflect heat, as well as hide from predators, in their desert home," the zoo explains on its website. "While this species is active during the day, they rest during high heat and browse for food at dawn and dusk."
They're listed as "critically endangered" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN ) due to "degradation of landscape and trade."
Th IUCN notes that due to trade and loss of habitat, their population numbers continue to decline, and the Egyptian Tortoise is essentially "extinct" in some areas they were previously found.
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