Philadelphia Zoo staff pose with Abrazzo (left), Mommy (right) and some of their hatchlings. (Credit: Philadelphia Zoo)
The world feels pretty overwhelming these days.
Between endless news cycles about disruptive and unstable political decisions and daily headlines that seem designed to stress us out, it's easy to feel like we're drowning in helplessness.
But every now and then, something wonderfully simple breaks through all that noise.
So here's a gentle invitation: take a break from whatever's weighing on your mind today and think about baby tortoises instead.
As you read their story, maybe let yourself imagine what you'd name these tiny, innocent creatures who've just entered the world.
Trust me on this one. Because while we can't solve all the world's problems, we definitely don't have to let them crush our spirits either.
So here's to celebrating the small victories that remind us life is still beautiful—here's the story of the Galapagos tortoises that's about to make your day a whole lot brighter.
This summer has brought an extraordinary gift to Philadelphia Zoo.
Nine more critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises have hatched inside the Zoo's Reptile & Amphibian House, bringing the total to an incredible 16 babies.
These aren't just any babies; they're the offspring of Mommy and Abrazzo, the zoo's oldest residents who are estimated to be nearly 100 years old.
'Mommy,' who has been at the Philadelphia Zoo since 1932, just gave birth to 16 babies. (Credit: Philadelphia Zoo)A nearly century-old first-time mom, defying all expectations and bringing new life into the world not once, but twice in less than a year.
Mommy has been calling Philadelphia Zoo home since 1932—she's literally been there longer than most of our grandparents have been alive.
For over 90 years, she waited. And then, in what zoo staff called "nearly impossible," she became a mom.
These 16 hatchlings aren't just cute photo opportunities—they're genuine conservation heroes.
Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises are critically endangered, with only 60 total in the managed population across all North American zoos. Every single one of these babies represents hope for their species' survival.
As Philadelphia Zoo's President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman beautifully put it: "The story of Mommy, Abrazzo and their now 16 babies has captured the imaginations of people around the world. It's made us all think about what legacy means when it comes to conservation and protecting what is precious."
What makes this summer moment even more special is how the zoo community has rallied around these tiny giants.
Staff have lovingly named many of the hatchlings after conservation legends and zoo heroes.
An image of a newspaper clipping from April, 1932 showing when 'Mommy' first arrived at the Philadelphia Zoo. (Credit: Philadelphia Zoo)There's Colette, named for a living legend in the herpetological world, and Fausto, honoring the park ranger who cared for the famous Lonesome George for 40 years. Each name tells a story of dedication to protecting these magnificent creatures.
The zoo is even giving the public a chance to name one of the male hatchlings through a special campaign, because sometimes participating in hope is exactly what our hearts need.
For every $25 donation, supporters get an entry to name a baby who could live over 100 years. Imagine that! Your chosen name could outlive your great-grandchildren.
As summer winds down and we prepare for whatever challenges autumn might bring, these 16 little tortoises remind us that life finds a way. That patience pays off. That sometimes, after nearly a century of waiting, the most beautiful things happen when we least expect them.
So yes, the world feels heavy some days. But somewhere in Philadelphia, 16 baby tortoises are growing stronger, carrying the future of their species on their tiny shells. And that, friends, is hope in its purest form.
So have you thought of a name yet?
I'm definitely thinking Phil.
