Rolling Hills Zoo Celebrates Arrival of First African Pancake Tortoise Hatchling

Rolling Hills Zoo proudly announces the hatching of its first African pancake tortoise offspring.

This marks a significant milestone in the conservation efforts of this species, while also underscoring the successful breeding efforts and commitment to wildlife preservation at Rolling Hills Zoo.

Known for their unique flat shells and gentle demeanor, Denny and Syrup, the zoo's beloved pair of African pancake tortoises, welcomed their first hatchling weighing 17 grams. It will take approximately six years for the hatchling to reach adulthood.

The egg, laid and buried under the sand by Syrup, remained in the pancake tortoises' enclosure during incubation. Pancake tortoises have a reproductive capacity of up to five eggs per year and a normal incubation period ranging from 99 to 137 days.

"While in the early stages of development, the hatchling will receive specialized care to ensure its health and well-being," shared Brenda Gunder, Rolling Hills Zoo Curator. "Maintaining optimal humidity levels and providing daily soaks are essential for the proper hardening of its shell."

Visitors can observe the young tortoise on exhibit in a separate container inside the enclosure, allowing for close monitoring and care by the zookeepers. The hatchling can be found in this designated area except during routine maintenance or health check-ups.

"It's important to remember the long-term commitment required in caring for these remarkable creatures," emphasized Gunder. "African pancake tortoises can live for several decades, with some reaching ages of 35 to 50 years."

In the wild, African pancake tortoises are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Their biggest threats are habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade. Slash-and-burn shifting cultivation for agriculture along with charcoal burning has also decreased the amount of suitable habitat for African pancake tortoises. Breeding programs are now in place to prevent wild caught pancake tortoises from entering the pet trade.

Rolling Hills Zoo continues its dedication to wildlife conservation and education, fostering a deeper appreciation for the world's diverse species.

Rolling Hills Zoo, a 65-acre haven nestled in the Smoky Hills of Saline County, is located just six miles west of Salina. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo has over 80 animal species residing at the zoo. The Wildlife Museum is home to one of the world's foremost collections of full mount animals from around the world with over 500 full mounts, showcasing 200 diverse animal species, found within naturalist dioramas covering seven distinct ecosystems from around the world.

(Information and photo courtesy RHZ.)