A giant Galapagos tortoise, a species in danger of extinction, has been born in captivity at A Cupulatta turtle city in Ajaccio, France. This landmark event marks the first time such a tortoise has been born in the country, as confirmed by Pierre Moisson, the veterinary director of the park. The baby tortoise, temporarily named 'Darwin', was born on May 21 and initially faced several challenges during hatching. After ensuring its health and ability to eat, the park was excited to announce this significant milestone to the public.
The birth of Darwin is particularly momentous as it follows a long wait for a mature female tortoise to arrive at the park. For 24 years, A Cupulatta had two male tortoises over 70 years old but had to wait until 2021 to acquire a female born in captivity in Europe. This female successfully laid five eggs with one being fertilized, leading to the birth of Darwin. Currently weighing 90 grams and measuring 18 centimeters, Darwin is significantly smaller than her father, who weighs nearly 160 kg.
This event is crucial for the conservation of Galapagos tortoises, as there are fewer than 130 in captivity across Europe, with only 26 zoological parks housing them. A Cupulatta is now the fourth park in Europe to reproduce this species, and the first in France. Galapagos tortoises can grow up to 1.50 meters long and weigh over 250 kg, living for more than a century. Unfortunately, of the 15 species of giant tortoises that once inhabited the Galapagos Islands, three have gone extinct over time, highlighting the critical status of these animals listed on the IUCN Red List from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.
