Leopard Tortoise Hatches At Maritime Aquarium

NORWALK, CT — The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk announced Friday its first-ever hatching of a tortoise. The leopard tortoise, born on Jan. 6, is the first member of the turtle and tortoise family to ever hatch at the aquarium.

According to a press release, the egg was the result of a pairing among six leopard tortoises added in a new display last summer. (To sign up for Norwalk breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"We are extremely proud of our biologists for broadening their range of animal-husbandry expertise," Director of Animal Husbandry Barrett L. Christie said in a release. "Our herpetofauna team, led by Senior Aquarist Sarah Penfold, has done an excellent job ensuring that these animals thrive."

Aquarium officials said the new tortoise weighed only 10 grams upon hatching, however it will grow to be much larger. Leopard tortoises are the fourth-largest tortoise species, growing to an average of 40 pounds.

Christie said in the release the hatchling tortoise will not be seen by aquarium guests until it is a little bigger.

Learn more about the aquarium’s animals, exhibits and more at www.maritimeaquarium.org.

Photo credit: Maritime Aquarium