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Endangered Tortoise Mommy, 97 Gives Birth

Published

3 weeks ago

April 5, 2025

endangered-tortoise-mommy,-97-gives-birth

Mommy, the 97-year-old Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise and first-time mum. Credit: Philadelphia Zoo

Newly-born animals are always a special event at a zoo, but for the Philadelphia Zoo, their latest new additions are somewhat of a miracle.

That’s because the mum is an endangered western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise who is affectionately known as Mommy. Remarkably, she has given birth at the extraordinary age of 97, marking the first successful hatching of her kind in the zoo’s 150-year-old history. The proud father is a 96 year old tortoise by the name of Abrazzo.

Tortoises are capable of breeding into very old age

This miracle of life has been made possible on account of the fact that tortoises (and other reptiles) typically remain capable of reproduction throughout their lives. This enables them to keep breeding well into old age, as has been proven by Mommy. The hatchlings, four tiny tortoises, are doing well and are believed to be female based on the incubation temperature they experienced while developing in their eggs.

The new baby tortoises are currently being kept in the Reptile and Amphibian House and will make their public debut on April 23. This date has been specifically chosen because it marks the 93^rd anniversary of Mommy’s arrival at the Philadelphia Zoo, so it will be a double celebration. It has been stated that the baby tortoises will remain at the zoo for at least the next five years.

These new tortoises are the result of a successful captive breeding programme, which is aimed at preserving this endangered species of tortoise. The zoo is now celebrating and excited to see if it can replicate this success at other accredited zoos and safeguard these special creatures further still.

Why is the giant tortoise endangered?

In speaking about the programme, Ashley Ortega from the Gladys Porter Zoo in Texas said, “Prior to the hatchlings, there were only 44 individual western Santa Cruz giant tortoises in all US zoos combined, so these newest additions represent a new genetic lineage and some much-needed help to the species’ population.”

Sadly, humans are responsible for this wonderful tortoise species being brought to the brink of extinction. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, they first came under threat when sailors historically sought to hunt them as meat. Then, there was the introduction of goats, which not only disrupted their habitat but became competition as they both sought out the same food. Finally, cats and rats have been said to prey on young tortoises and their eggs.

Find more news stories written in English by Donna Williams

Related Topics:endangered EuroWeekly News Quirky News tortoise USA World News

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May Day In Mijas: Free Sardines And Live Music

Published

5 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Marina Bruce

may-day-in-mijas:-free-sardines-and-live-music

Freshly grilled sardines prepared by local espetero. Credit: Mijas Town Hall

Looking for a fun and traditional way to spend May 1? Head to La Cala de Mijas for the much-loved sardinada, where more than 600 kilos of sardines will be cooked and handed out for free.

The event, which begins at 12 p.m. in Plaza del Torreon, marks International Workers’ Day, a public holiday across Spain. Visitors can enjoy freshly grilled sardines prepared by 18 local espeteros, skilled workers who will cook the fish the traditional Malaga way over open wood fires.

As well as delicious food, the day includes live music and family-friendly entertainment. From 1:30pm, local bands Alborea and Radio 80 will take to the stage under a large marquee, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.

The La Cala Youth Association will also run a bar area, serving drinks and extra snacks at affordable prices, making it a great day out for all ages.

The Mijas Town Hall, which organises the event each year, encourages locals and expats to come along and enjoy this popular celebration of community, food and music.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, the May Day sardinada in La Cala is the perfect way to enjoy the local traditions of the Costa del Sol.

Bring your appetite, grab a plate, and join in the fun!

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Injured Hiker Airlifted In Puig D’en Ric

Published

5 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Santiago Carneri

injured-hiker-airlifted-in-puig-d’en-ric

Guardia Civil has reiterated its advice to mountain-goers: avoid overestimating your capabilities. Credit: Guardia Civil

A female hiker was airlifted to safety on Saturday April 26 after injuring her ankle while trekking near Puig d’en Ric, in the municipality of Andratx. The incident occurred on Saturday morning, as she was ascending the forest trail in the Cala Egos area and twisted her ankle, leaving her unable to continue.

Specialists from the Guardia Civil’s Mountain Rescue and Intervention Group (GREIM), alongside their Air Service unit, successfully rescued the woman after she sustained an injury while trekking near Puig d’en Ric.

The rescue team quickly located the injured hiker, and GREIM officers descended from a helicopter using a winch system to reach her. After administering first aid on-site, they immobilised her ankle with a vacuum splint.

The woman was then airlifted by helicopter and transferred to Son Espases Hospital for further treatment.

According to data provided by the Guardia Civil, there were 156 mountain rescue operations in Mallorca in 2024, a figure that has already risen to 89 incidents in the first four months of 2025 alone. The majority of these rescues involve hikers who are unprepared, physically overexerted, or unaware of the risks posed by the island’s rugged terrain and sudden changes in weather conditions.

In light of the rescue, the Guardia Civil has reiterated its advice to mountain-goers: avoid overestimating your capabilities, plan your route carefully, check weather conditions beforehand, and match the technical difficulty of the route to your personal fitness and experience. According to the Guardia Civil, a lack of preparation and insufficient technical skill are the most common causes of accidents in the mountains.

Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for the latest news about Europe and Mallorca.

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A Taste Of Buddha

Published

5 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Ion Axinescu

Buddha House Restaurant in Torrox Costa. Credit: Buddha House Restaurant Facebook page

Located in Torrox Costa, Buddha House Restaurant offers a veritable culinary journey through Nepal and India. The restaurant stands out as one of the most appreciated dining experiences in the area, having an impressive Google rating of 4.6.

The décor and the atmosphere of the place echoes the spirit of Nepal’s hidden corners. It has a spacious main dining room, a cosy terrace, and intimate private areas for casual family dinners or social gatherings.

But the real experience is on the plate. The kitchen, helmed by Nepalese chefs, presents an array of dishes that really stay true to their roots. It combines fresh vegetables, aromatic rice, tender lamb, chicken, and prawns with an ideal balance of spices and herbs.

The menu draws from a wide range of Indian and Nepalese regional cuisines, featuring well-known styles such as Madras, the sweet-and-spicy Dhansak, the fiery Phaal, or the bold Vindaloo. Vegetarian options are plentiful, and there are also specially designed menus for children.

Buddha House is an accessible destination for all types of diners, even for those who might not usually be big fans of Indian or Nepalese food. Friendly service and a nice and professional staff round off the experience.

Buddha House Restaurant is located at Avenida del Peñoncillo, 11, 29770 Torrox. You can call for reservations at 952 53 09 21.

Read here more news from Axarquia.