We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Behavior

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Which Endangered Animal Recently Became a Father at 90?

Margaret Lipman
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Share

Earlier this year, the oldest animal at the Houston Zoo became a father for the first time.

Mr. Pickles, a radiated tortoise, has been a zoo resident for 36 years and has lived with the appropriately-named Mrs. Pickles, 53, for around 27 years. The 90-year-old Mr. Pickles had never sired any offspring until a zookeeper discovered the female tortoise digging a hole and laying some eggs last October.

The three eggs were moved to the Reptile & Amphibian House, where they were placed in more hospitable conditions and carefully tended by zoo staff. When they hatched in February, the three adorable hatchlings were named Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeño.

Once incredibly abundant, radiated tortoises are native to Madagascar, where they live in a variety of habitats, from sand dunes and plateaus to scrubland and dry forests. They have become critically endangered largely because of the illegal pet trade and loss of habitat due to mining and unsustainable agricultural practices. Their very occasional reproductive rate means that their population has little chance to recover in the face of such pressures.

Welcome to the family, little pickles:

  • It is estimated that poachers take around 20,000 radiated tortoises from Madagascar each year to become pets or to be used for food.

  • Fully-grown radiated tortoises are around 15 inches long and weigh around 23 pounds. They mostly eat grasses, succulents, and fruits.

  • Radiated tortoises can live for 150 years, so perhaps Mr. and Mrs. Pickles have some time to grow their little family, though the upper reproductive age limit of a radiated tortoise is unknown.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Margaret Lipman
By Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range of topics. Her articles cover essential areas such as finance, parenting, health and wellness, nutrition, educational strategies. Margaret's writing is guided by her passion for enriching the lives of her readers through practical advice and well-researched information.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Margaret Lipman
Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/which-endangered-animal-recently-became-a-father-at-90.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.