Endangered African pancake tortoise hatches at Rolling Hills Zoo in milestone for species

Charles Rankin, Salina Journal

Rolling Hills Zoo announced the arrival of its first African pancake tortoise hatchling.

The zoo said this hatching is a significant milestone for the conservation of this tortoise species.

"(It also underscores) the successful breeding efforts and commitment to wildlife preservation at Rolling Hills Zoo," the zoo said in its announcement.

An African pancake tortoise emerges from the sand immediately after hatching. This tortoise was welcomed at Rolling Hills Zoo recently.
An African pancake tortoise emerges from the sand immediately after hatching. This tortoise was welcomed at Rolling Hills Zoo recently.

According to the zoo, the hatchling was welcomed by its parents, Denny and Syrup, the zoo's pair of African pancake tortoises, and weighs 17 grams.

"It will take approximately six years for the hatchling to reach adulthood," Rolling Hills said.

The zoo said the egg, laid and buried under the sand by Syrup, remained in the pancake tortoises’ enclosure during incubation. Pancake tortoises have a reproductive capacity of up to five eggs per year, and a normal incubation period ranging from 99 to 137 days.

"While in the early stages of development, the hatchling will receive specialized care to ensure its health and well-being," said Brenda Gunder, Rolling Hills Zoo curator. "Maintaining optimal humidity levels and providing daily soaks are essential for the proper hardening of its shell."

The new hatchling will be able to be seen by visitors in a separate container inside the enclosure, where it will be monitored and cared for by zookeepers. The zoo said the young tortoise will be found in this designated area except during routine maintenance or health checkups.

The size of an African pancake tortoise hatchling is shown compared to a ball point pen. This hatchling, weighing 17 grams, was recently hatched at Rolling Hills Zoo.
The size of an African pancake tortoise hatchling is shown compared to a ball point pen. This hatchling, weighing 17 grams, was recently hatched at Rolling Hills Zoo.

"It's important to remember the long-term commitment required in caring for these remarkable creatures," said Gunder. "African pancake tortoises can live for several decades, with some reaching ages of 35 to 50 years.”

More: Rolling Hills Zoo turning off sounds in museum for Silent Sundays in April

What's important about this hatching at Rolling Hills Zoo?

African pancake tortoises in the wild are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

"Their biggest threats are habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade," the zoo said. "Slash-and-burn shifting cultivation for agriculture along with charcoal burning has also decreased the amount of suitable habitat for African pancake tortoises."

An African pancake tortoise hatching soaks in water. The tortoise was recently hatched at Rolling Hills Zoo as part of conservation efforts for the species.
An African pancake tortoise hatching soaks in water. The tortoise was recently hatched at Rolling Hills Zoo as part of conservation efforts for the species.

According to the zoo, breeding programs are now in place to prevent wild-caught pancake tortoises from entering the pet trade.

For more information about Rolling Hills Zoo, including hours of operation, visit the zoo's website, www.rollinghillszoo.org.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: African pancake tortoise hatches at Salina's Rolling Hills Zoo

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