Goliath, a 517-pound Galapagos tortoise at Zoo Miami, recently turned 135 and became a father for the first time with the hatching of one egg. This event marks not only a personal milestone for Goliath but also a significant achievement for the zoo, as it is the first successful hatching of this endangered species there. Goliath has a long history, having hatched in the Galapagos Islands between 1885 and 1890 and residing at various zoos. Despite threats to their species, both he and the hatchling are reported to be healthy.
"Goliath is my hero, and I am sure he will soon be an inspiration to many others!" Zoo Miami spokesman Ron Magill said in a statement. "He is living proof that where there is a will, there is a way and to never give up!"
One egg out of a clutch of eight laid on Jan. 27 successfully hatched on June 4, officials said. Besides being Goliath's first offspring, it's also the first time one of the endangered reptiles has hatched at Zoo Miami.
According to Goliath's official record, he hatched on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos on June 15, between 1885 and 1890. The island group is located near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, several hundred miles west of mainland Ecuador.
Both parents are doing well in their public habitat, officials said. The hatchling appears to be healthy in a separate enclosure. Wild hatchlings are not raised by their parents.
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