Australasian Galapagos Giant Tortoise Population

Zoofan15

Zoofan15

Well-Known Member
10+ year member
Australasian Galapagos Giant Tortoise Population

Welcome to our first reptile population list!

Galapagos giant tortoise are currently held at four facilities: Auckland Zoo, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Perth Zoo and the Australian Reptile Park.

The first successful hatching of this species was at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in 2011. Since then, they’ve also bred very successfully at Auckland Zoo - who currently have six surviving hatchlings from three clutches.

Gender of the nine surviving hatchlings born in the region is currently unknown. Most sources say gender can be determined around the early teens - which is supported by Auckland Zoo importing 2.2 in 1983, which were then aged 12-14 years.

This species can live over 150 years and indeed the eldest tortoise is approaching 100 years. It’s humbling to think that some of the latest hatchlings could be around for decades after we’ve gone.

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New Zealand Population

Auckland Zoo:

0.1 Snapper (1969) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo)
0.1 Chippie (1970) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo)
1.0 Smiley (1971) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo)
1.0 Willy (1971) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo)

0.0.1 Apple (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie
0.0.1 Darwin (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie
0.0.1 Guava (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie
0.0.1 Isabela (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie
0.0.1 Fernadina (07/11/2021) Smiley x Chippie
0.0.1 Santiago (09/03/2022) Smiley x Chippie

Total New Zealand population: 2.2.6 tortoises

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Australian Population

Australian Reptile Park:

1.0 Hugo (1950) Imported 1951 (Wild)
1.0 Dippy (1968) Imported 1972 (San Diego Zoo)
0.1 Estrella (2004) Imported 2021 (Rostock Zoo)

Perth Zoo:

1.0 Cerro (1966) Imported 1988 (San Diego Zoo)
1.0 Sierra (1971) Imported 1988 (San Diego Zoo)

Taronga Western Plains Zoo:

0.1 Audrey Grace (1925) Imported 1936 (Wild)
1.0 Albert (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo)
1.0 Wilbur (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo)
0.1 Molly Mable (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo)
1.0 Franklin (1970) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo)

0.0.1 NJ (19/03/2011) Unknown x Audrey Grace
0.0.1 Turbo (24/01/2014) Unknown x Audrey Grace
0.0.1 Pena (26/01/2014) Unknown x Audrey Grace

Total Australian population: 7.3.3 tortoises

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Total Australasian population: 9.5.9 tortoises
 
It would be helpful if the population was split along subspecies/hybrids (where known) to show how viable it is. Any reason not to have the Aldabrans alongside this? Afterall most zoos only keep one type of giant tortoise.
 
tetrapod said:
It would be helpful if the population was split along subspecies/hybrids (where known) to show how viable it is.
Click to expand...

With "where known" being the operative phrase. The question of what subspecies we have in the region is asked at least annually on ZooChat and I've yet to hear a definitive answer. Somebody reported receiving contradicting information from the zoo they contacted so in any case, I don't have the confidence to report what minimal information I've heard as fact.
tetrapod said:
Any reason not to have the Aldabrans alongside this? Afterall most zoos only keep one type of giant tortoise.
Click to expand...

Aldabra giant tortoises are held across 10 facilities - including at least three which are poor responders to enquiries. It would be a huge undertaking to compile all this; so for now you'll have to make do with what I've supplied above.
 
Zoofan15 said:
That would be great. Thank you @Kifaru Bwana.

Information I’ve received in the past regarding subspecies has been very muddled, so it’d be nice to get an accurate overview of the population.
Click to expand...
It concerns not subspecies on the Galapagos islands but on 14+ full species. The figure is actually for currently known and scientifically recognised described species and remains somewhat diffuse. The actual number may be even higher given that the Santa Fe Island may / may not have had a resident Galapagos tortoise population or not (it is highly debatable as only ever 1 specimen was collected from the island suggestie that it may have been relocated/transported from another island, .... TBC).

NOTE (on the number of species): This observation concerns in particular the San Cristobal species C. chathamensis. Recently, it has been determined that the current resident tortoises are not the scientifically described C. chathamensis from museum collections. Further research has shown that the island has historically been populated by 2 different species (much like the main HQ of the GCS on Santa Cruz where 2 species occur West and East Cerro Fatal).
 
Zoofan15 said:
Australasian Galapagos Giant Tortoise Population

Welcome to our first reptile population list!

Galapagos giant tortoise are currently held at four facilities: Auckland Zoo, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Perth Zoo and the Australian Reptile Park.

The first successful hatching of this species was at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in 2011. Since then, they’ve also bred very successfully at Auckland Zoo - who currently have six surviving hatchlings from three clutches.

Gender of the nine surviving hatchlings born in the region is currently unknown. Most sources say gender can be determined around the early teens - which is supported by Auckland Zoo importing 2.2 in 1983, which were then aged 12-14 years.

This species can live over 150 years and indeed the eldest tortoise is approaching 100 years. It’s humbling to think that some of the latest hatchlings could be around for decades after we’ve gone.


Total Australasian population: 9.5.9 tortoises
Click to expand...
I take the liberty to copy in Zoofan15's population update from early 2023.
(on the Assumption you do not mind in the common interest of documenting speciation in the Australasian population - have put in a DM request mind you)

Australian Population

Australian Reptile Park:
1.0 Hugo (1950) Imported 1951 (Wild) - Chelonoidis becki
1.0 Dippy (1968) Imported 1972 (San Diego Zoo) - Chelonoidis becki
0.1 Estrella (2004) Imported 2021 (Rostock Zoo) - Chelonoidis becki x Chelonoidis porteri (= Galapagos hybrid)

Perth Zoo:
1.0 Cerro (1966) Imported 1988 (San Diego Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
1.0 Sierra (1971) Imported 1988 (San Diego Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)

Taronga Western Plains Zoo (**):
0.1 Audrey Grace (1925) Imported 1936 (Wild) - Chelonoidis guentheri (* Source: IZY)
1.0 Albert (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
1.0 Wilbur (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.1 Molly Mable (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
1.0 Franklin (1970) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 NJ (19/03/2011) Unknown x Audrey Grace - Chelonoidis hybrid
0.0.1 Turbo (24/01/2014) Unknown x Audrey Grace - Chelonoidis hybrid
0.0.1 Pena (26/01/2014) Unknown x Audrey Grace - Chelonoidis hybrid

Total Australian population: 7.3.3 tortoises

————————————————————————
New Zealand Populatie

Auckland Zoo (***):
0.1 Snapper (1969) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.1 Chippie (1970) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
1.0 Smiley (1971) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
1.0 Willy (1971) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Apple (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Darwin (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Guava (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Isabela (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Fernadina (07/11/2021) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Santiago (09/03/2022) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)

Total New Zealand population: 2.2.6 tortoises

GENERAL:
The genetics situation with the Australasian population is far more complex than this update is indicative of. This Goes down to the zoo populations from which the originate as well as their founders.

SPECIFICS:
The Honolulu population that bred is only partially known. Several sources give conflicting information on source island population (Santa Cruz, Isabela) as well as that consequently several species were maintained as a single grouping. Honolulu's known individuals are a mix of Chelonoidis porteri and Chelonoidis vandenburghi and part a completely unknown island / source population designation. This is reflected in the above update.

AZA management has determined most of the Honolulu offspring as hybrids by genetic analysis. I agree there is a high chance this is the case.
 
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Kifaru Bwana said:
I take the liberty to copy in Zoofan15's population update from early 2023.
(on the Assumption you do not mind in the common interest of documenting speciation in the Australasian population - have put in a DM request mind you)

Australian Population

Australian Reptile Park:
1.0 Hugo (1950) Imported 1951 (Wild) - Chelonoidis becki
1.0 Dippy (1968) Imported 1972 (San Diego Zoo) - Chelonoidis becki
0.1 Estrella (2004) Imported 2021 (Rostock Zoo) - Chelonoidis becki x Chelonoidis porteri (= Galapagos hybrid)

Perth Zoo:
1.0 Cerro (1966) Imported 1988 (San Diego Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
1.0 Sierra (1971) Imported 1988 (San Diego Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)

Taronga Western Plains Zoo (**):
0.1 Audrey Grace (1925) Imported 1936 (Wild) - Chelonoidis guentheri (* Source: IZY)
1.0 Albert (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
1.0 Wilbur (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.1 Molly Mable (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
1.0 Franklin (1970) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 NJ (19/03/2011) Unknown x Audrey Grace - Chelonoidis hybrid
0.0.1 Turbo (24/01/2014) Unknown x Audrey Grace - Chelonoidis hybrid
0.0.1 Pena (26/01/2014) Unknown x Audrey Grace - Chelonoidis hybrid

Total Australian population: 7.3.3 tortoises

————————————————————————
New Zealand Populatie

Auckland Zoo (***):
0.1 Snapper (1969) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.1 Chippie (1970) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
1.0 Smiley (1971) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
1.0 Willy (1971) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo) - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Apple (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Darwin (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Guava (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Isabela (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Fernadina (07/11/2021) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)
0.0.1 Santiago (09/03/2022) Smiley x Chippie - Chelonoidis unknown (Galapagos)

Total New Zealand population: 2.2.6 tortoises

GENERAL:
The genetics situation with the Australasian population is far more complex than this update is indicative of. This Goes down to the zoo populations from which the originate as well as their founders.

SPECIFICS:
The Honolulu population that bred is only partially known. Several sources give conflicting information on source island population (Santa Cruz, Isabela) as well as that consequently several species were maintained as a single grouping. Honolulu's known individuals are a mix of Chelonoidis porteri and Chelonoidis vandenburghi and part a completely unknown island / source population designation. This is reflected in the above update.

AZA management has determined most of the Honolulu offspring as hybrids by genetic analysis. I agree there is a high chance this is the case.
Click to expand...

First of all, thank you for sending me a DM to request my permission to copy my population list for this post. It came in at 4am New Zealand time when I was asleep, but I absolutely give permission/would have given permission for what I think is a fascinating insight into our regional population.

When you said you had some information on the population, your post was exactly what I was hoping for - a breakdown of each individual tortoise. As noted above, I didn’t have sufficient information to detail this myself, so it’s of great benefit to the forum that someone like yourself has. :)

I had wondered if the list would give an indication into future planning; but given the vast number of unknowns and hybrids, I think we can safely assume hybridisation is not a concern when managing the regional population. Long term, I anticipate Auckland Zoo (which has bred six successful hatchlings to date) could end up supplying multiple zoos within the region. As a frequent visitor, it’s been a thrill to see their hatchlings on exhibit and their breeding programme thriving. Long may it continue!

Some photos I’ve taken at Auckland Zoo:

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1.0 Smiley (1970) at 42 years

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Juvenile (hatched 26/01/2021) at 2 years and 8 months
 

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Unfortunately, there is no room for complacency within ZAA (Australia and New Zealand).

A) There are only 3 known pure-bred Galapagos giant tortoises in the Australasian region: 2 male C. becki from Northern point of Isabela Island and 1 possible C. guentheri female (possibly the other south Isabela species C. vicina).

B) All the Honolulu hatched Galapagos giant tortoises (Dubbo 3.1 and Auckland 2.2) are probable hybrids and all 8 hold identical parentage from an as yet undetermined pure-bred Galapagos male x undetermined pure-bred female crossing (where the choice of sire and the one dam are known, yet they were never assigned to species themselves prior to passing on). The choice of possible species designation for either sire or dam may be between 6-8 species - 1 species from Santa Cruz and 5-6 species from extreme north Isabela (C. becki?) and southern Isabela (C. microphyes, C. vandenburghi, C. guentheri and C. vicina).

Conclusion:
Honolulu Zoo has some remaining offspring from the very same pairing left. I have only put them in the category unknown purely on the basis that the species concerned has neither in the sire nor the dam of these pairings been cleared up to date (but there is a high chance that all hatchlings are hybrids as genetic testing analysis for part of this population has determined). The fact remains that genetic analysis / testing in the USA of the Honolulu Zoo dam/sire offspring has confirmed them to be all hybrids.
 
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Short term the objectives for the Austrralasian region would look like this:
I) A real need to determine the full genetics of the Australasian region a.s.a.p. (using the Yale University and Omaha Henry Doorly zoo genetics testing)
II) Separate the hybrid and pure-bred Chelonoidis Galapagos tortoise populations
III) Set up correct pairings following the latest science in pure-breds Galapagos tortoise
IV) Actively promote animal exchanges to set up III) objectives pairings and look for suitable partners from other zoo regions and animal exchanges between regions.

There is also a real urgency as some of the pure-bred tortoises are getting on in years now.
The outlook for the Dubbo pure-bred C. guentheri (C. vicina?) is not good long term and she should be the priority to get her to breed with her own species a.s.a.p. Possibly, there are conspecifics in the USA and for definite in Ecuador ex situ.

To a lesser degree the very same is true for both C. becki males at the Australian Reptile Park. There are C. becki in both Europe, USA and Ecuador ex situ to set up correct pairings.
 
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I would like to add that really the Australian population is really part of a global effort for ex situ conservation breeding and maintaining captive assurance colonies.

TBH: the GCT and Galapagos Park Services do not have all the expertise on One Healthy Planet and One Plan Approach to conservation of critically endangered species like Galapagos tortoise. Both accredited zoos ex situ and reputable private breeders have a role to play in preserving older and less represented lineages in the various Galapagos tortoise species (pure-breds and wild caughts) individuals yet available in / from captive locations.

A note of caution is that the current Ecuadorian Ministry of the Environment and US FWS administrations are both extremel and fundamentalist in their approach to "trade" where CITES I and II species relatie to ex situ zoo/captive-breeding facility and conservation breeding programs enabling transfer across Continents) in Galapagos tortoise. Honestly, I do think that approach is actually preventing effective in situ and ex situ management of endangered and threatened species.
 
Perth Zoo - Sierra (1971-2024)

From socials:

Friends, sadly we have had to say goodbye to our loveable giant Galapagos Tortoise, Sierra.

Many of you would be aware, that Sierra has been receiving veterinary support due to a congenital heart issue. In the past days his health deteriorated and while it was incredibly sad to say goodbye, we know it was the right thing to do for Sierra’s welfare.

Sierra is survived by his brother, Cerro, who lived in an adjacent habitat. He will now have greater territory and the undivided love and attention of the keepers.
 
Australasian Galapagos Giant Tortoise Population 2025

2024 sadly saw the loss of Sierra at Perth Zoo, leaving them with a single male.

Though no further hatchlings at Auckland Zoo have been reported since 2022, the six juveniles are thriving and were all still alive as of my November 2024 visit. The eldest four turn four years old this month, so it’ll be interesting to see if any of them disperse to other facilities in the future.

Gender can be determined around the early teens, so the gender of the nine youngest tortoises remains unknown at this point. Looking at the regional population, some females would be good. Auckland Zoo have previously reported using a 29.5C incubation temperature, known to favour females. 28C favours males.

Audrey Grace at Taronga Western Plains Zoo celebrates an impressive century this year.

Please refer to Post #7 above for information on the genetics of the regional population, kindly supplied by @Kifaru Bwana.

————————————————————————

New Zealand Population

Auckland Zoo:

0.1 Snapper (1969) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo)
0.1 Chippie (1970) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo)
1.0 Smiley (1971) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo)
1.0 Willy (1971) Imported 1983 (Honolulu Zoo)

0.0.1 Apple (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie
0.0.1 Darwin (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie
0.0.1 Guava (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie
0.0.1 Isabela (26/01/2021) Smiley x Chippie
0.0.1 Fernadina (07/11/2021) Smiley x Chippie
0.0.1 Santiago (09/03/2022) Smiley x Chippie

Total New Zealand population: 2.2.6 tortoises

————————————————————————

Australian Population

Australian Reptile Park:

1.0 Hugo (1950) Imported 1951 (Wild)
1.0 Dippy (1968) Imported 1972 (San Diego Zoo)
0.1 Estrella (2004) Imported 2021 (Rostock Zoo)

Perth Zoo:

1.0 Cerro (1966) Imported 1988 (San Diego Zoo)

Taronga Western Plains Zoo:

0.1 Audrey Grace (1925) Imported 1936 (Wild)
1.0 Albert (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo)
1.0 Wilbur (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo)
0.1 Molly Mable (1969) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo)
1.0 Franklin (1970) Imported 1982 (Honolulu Zoo)

0.0.1 NJ (19/03/2011) Unknown x Audrey Grace
0.0.1 Turbo (24/01/2014) Unknown x Audrey Grace
0.0.1 Pena (26/01/2014) Unknown x Audrey Grace

Total Australian population: 6.3.3 tortoises

————————————————————————

Total Australasian population: 8.5.9 tortoises
 
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