A 90-year-old radiated tortoise at the Houston Zoo named Mr. Pickles has recently welcomed three baby tortoises into the world with his partner, 53-year-old Mrs. Pickles. The birth of the three hatchlings is being celebrated around the world since radiated tortoises are a critically endangered species. Mr. and Mrs. Pickles have been together since Mrs. Pickles came to the Houston Zoo in 1996, but the pair hadn’t expanded their family until now. The birth is an astounding feat given Mr. Pickles’ age, and because the Houston climate isn’t ideal for developing tortoise eggs. The hatchlings, named Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeno, are all healthy and thriving at the zoo.
Image via Jackelin Reyna / Houston Zoo
Read other stories from the 4/3/22 newsletter: