The Houston Zoo has announced the hatching of three critically endangered radiated tortoises. The hatchlings are the offspring of 90-year-old Mr. Pickles and 53-year-old Mrs. Pickles, who have been together since 1996. Radiated tortoises are a critically endangered species native to Madagascar, and their numbers are in decline due to over-collection for illegal sales on the black market. Captive breeding programs have produced new radiated tortoises, but experts say the reptiles may go extinct in the wild. Mr. Pickles is considered the most genetically valuable radiated tortoise in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan.
Photo Credit: Luca Ambrosi