Chester Zoo Hatches Madagascan Radiated Tortoise

It's believed to be the first hatching of the species in the UK as a baby Madagascan Radiated Tortoise hatched at Chester Zoo. The hatchling hatched from one of a clutch of five eggs so fingers are crossed that it will be joined by some siblings soon.

The new arrival means a great deal as the Madagascan Radiated Tortoise is extremely rare and classified as Critically Endangered in the wild. Curator of Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates, Richard Gibson, stated: "This tortoise might well be tiny at the moment but what it currently lacks in size, it makes up for in importance. The species is native only to southern Madagascar where it is threatened by loss of habitat, and illegal collection for the internal pet trade and as a local source of food."

The turtles and tortoises of Madagascar are amongst the most endangered reptiles on Earth and the Radiated Tortoise is one of five species whice was recently re-assesed on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered.

At Chester Zoo the new hatchling had been incubated for 136 days and took 2 days to fully break out of his shell. The hatchling, along with the other four eggs, is being carefully cared for by dedicated Chester Zoo staff. The parents can be seen by visitor's in the zoo's Tropical Realm.

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