The oldest zoo inhabitant in the United States celebrated his 135th birthday and his first Father's Day.
Goliath, a 517-pound (234 kg) Galapagos tortoise at Zoo Miami in Florida, became a dad for the first time earlier this month, zoo officials said.
“Goliath is my idol, and I am sure that he will soon become an example for many others!” said Ron Magill, a representative of the Miami Zoo.
“He is a living proof that where there is persistence there is opportunity and one should never give up!”
One of the eight eggs laid on January 27 hatched successfully on June 4, the spokesman said.
Not only is this the first Goliath cub, but it is also the first time one of the endangered reptiles has hatched at Zoo Miami.
The numbers of these animals declined sharply by the beginning of the 20th century due to human exploitation and the introduction of invasive species to the Galapagos Islands.
Modern threats include climate change and habitat loss.
According to official records of Goliath, he hatched on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos Islands on June 15th between 1885 and 1890.
This archipelago is located near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, several hundred miles west of mainland Ecuador.
Goliath was transported to the Bronx Zoo in 1929, and he moved to Zoo Miami in 1981.
During his time at Zoo Miami, he mated with several females but was unable to produce offspring.
The newborn cub's mother, Sweet Pea, is estimated to be between 85 and 100 years old.
Both parents are doing well in their community, officials said.
The cub, kept in a separate enclosure, appears healthy.
Parents do not raise wild cubs.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
